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A peak flow meter is used
to measure how quickly
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you can blow air out of your lungs.
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Doing a peak flow can sometimes show you
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asthma is getting worse before you
have your usual asthma symptoms.
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Your best peak flow score
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is the number you normally
get when you're well.
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Your doctor or your
nurse can help you identify
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what your best peak flow is.
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If you follow your asthma action plan and
take your asthma medications as planned.
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Your peak flow should stay close
to your usual best score.
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You should measure your peak
flow if you feel poorly
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or if you're getting some of
your normal asthma symptoms.
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If you check your asthma action plan,
it will tell you what you need to do.
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Stand up, pull the red pointer
as close to the mouthpiece
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as you can.
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Taking a deep breath,
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put the peak flow mouthpiece in your mouth
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and make a good seal
around the mouthpiece.
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Flow out as hard and as fast as you can.
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The red pointer will move to your score.
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Repeat this two more times
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and write down your highest
score out of your three goals.
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If you're breathing tube so
your lungs are tight and sore,
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your peak flow will be lower
than what it normally is.
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Your doctor or nurse might ask you
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to record your peak flow for a few weeks.
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You can record it in your peak flow diary.
