![]() Airway inflammation can persist for days to weeks after an acute attack therefore, more intensive treatment should be continued after discharge until symptoms and peak expiratory flow return to baseline. ![]() The administration of systemic corticosteroids within one hour of emergency department presentation decreases the need for hospitalization, with the most pronounced effect in patients with severe exacerbations. Intravenous magnesium sulfate has been shown to significantly increase lung function and decrease the necessity of hospitalization in children. Multiple doses of inhaled anticholinergic medication combined with beta 2 agonists improve lung function and decrease hospitalization in school-age children with severe asthma exacerbations. In the ambulatory and emergency department settings, the goals of treatment are correction of severe hypoxemia, rapid reversal of airflow obstruction, and reduction of the risk of relapse. Administration using a hand-held metered-dose inhaler with a spacer device is at least equivalent to nebulized beta 2 agonist therapy in children and adults. In patients with a peak expiratory flow of 50 to 79 percent of their personal best, up to two treatments of two to six inhalations of short-acting beta 2 agonists 20 minutes apart followed by a reassessment of peak expiratory flow and symptoms may be safely employed at home. Criteria for exacerbation severity are based on symptoms and physical examination parameters, as well as lung function and oxygen saturation. If in doubt, contact your medical team for advice.Asthma exacerbations can be classified as mild, moderate, severe, or life threatening. This would usually involve contacting a doctor or hospital. Severe airway narrowing may be occurring and immediate action needs to be taken. Red Zone: Less than 50 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings. It may mean respiratory airways are narrowing and additional medication may be required. Yellow Zone: 50 to 79 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings indicates caution. A peak flow reading in the green zone indicates that the lung function management is under good control. Green Zone: 80 to 100 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings are clear. Doctors and health practitioners develop management plans based on the green-yellow-red zones. Peak flow readings are often classified into 3 zones of measurement according to the American Lung Association green, yellow, and red. Enter this value in your “Target PEF.” data field. This chart can be used to read-off your Normal value. The Normal value (Target value) for PEF varies according to gender, age and height. It is important to use the same peak flow meter every time to ensure consistency of the readings. However, it can be useful in some circumstances to monitor the severity of it or efficacy of treatment. It is classically reduced in obstructive lung disorders, such as Asthma, COPD or Cystic Fibrosis.ĭue to the wide range of ‘normal’ values and high degree of variability, peak flow is not the recommended test to identify respiratory disease. Measurement of PEFR requires some practise to correctly use a meter and the normal expected value depends on a patient’s gender, age and height. From changes in recorded values, we may determine lung functionality, severity of asthma symptoms, and treatment options. ![]() Peak flow readings are higher when we are well, and lower when the airways are constricted. It measures the airflow through the bronchi of the lungs and thus the degree of obstruction in the airways. This is a small, hand-held device used to monitor a person’s ability to breathe out air. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), also called Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is a person’s maximum speed of expiration, as measured with a peak flow meter like the unit available from Activ8rlives. ![]()
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