Because asthma symptoms vary, it is not unusual for a patient with chronic asthma to have normal spirometry. In such cases, peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate monitoring may be used to demonstrate reversible airway obstruction. A peak flow meter is a portable device that can be carried by the patient. It consists of a small tube with a gauge that measures the maximum force with which one can blow air through the tube.
The patient performs the peak flow meter test twice a day for about 2 weeks and records the results for review in a follow up appointment. The first test should be performed after waking in the morning, before taking bronchodilator medications. The patient should perform the peak expiratory flow maneuver 3 times and record the highest measurement. The second test should be done in the afternoon or early evening after taking a bronchodilator. Peak flows vary during the day and the early morning peak is lower than the evening peak. A variability greater than 20% indicates a reversible airway obstruction.
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