Peak expiratory flow meter
- Some asthmatics get given a PEF reader, or a 'peak flow meter'. This allows them to measure their lung function.
- This is given in litres of air breathed out per minute (l/min).
- What's considered a normal score depends on your age, height and gender.
- Peak flow measures how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs.
What can it be used for?
- A peak flow test involves blowing as hard as you can into a small handheld device.
- It is often used to help diagnose and monitor asthma.
A spirometer can also measure this, but in the form of forced expiratory volume
- The two tests are very similar but they are not the same thing.