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Asthma: Helping Your Child Measure Peak Flow

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Asthma: Helping Your Child Measure Peak Flow

Asthma: Helping Your Child Measure Peak Flow (00:01:28)
Video Transcript

Peak flow is how much air your child  breathes out when they're trying hard.

Checking peak flow lets you know how  well your child's lungs are working.

It helps you know if your  child's asthma is staying the same, getting better, or getting worse.

A peak flow meter is an easy tool you  can use to check on your child's lungs.

These meters come in many shapes and  sizes, but they all work about the same.

Here's how to measure your child's peak flow.

First, set the pointer of the peak flow meter  to 0 or to the lowest number on the meter.

Second, if there is a separate  mouthpiece, attach it to the meter.

Now, have your child sit up or stand up as  straight as possible and take a deep breath.

Next, have your child tightly close  their lips around the mouthpiece, keeping their tongue away from the mouthpiece.

Their fingers should be  away from the number scale.

Now, have your child blow out  as hard and as fast as they can.

Okay, now note the number on the meter, and  write it down. Do the test 2 more times.

The highest of these 3 tests  is your child's peak flow.

Be sure to talk to your  child's doctor about peak flow.

Measuring peak flow can help you know  how well your child's lungs are working so you can help manage your child's asthma.

And that can help your child  feel better and breathe easier.

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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Contact Us In Fruitland Fruitland
  1. Baker City
  2. Boise
  3. Buhl
  4. Caldwell
  5. Eagle
  6. Fruitland
  7. Hailey/Ketchum
  8. Jerome
  9. McCall
  10. Meridian
  11. Mountain Home
  12. Nampa
  13. New Meadows
  14. Ontario
  15. Riggins
  16. Sun Valley
  17. Twin Falls
(208) 381-2222