3. what is the significance of a pefr at 60 predicted

It means that you can do your usual activities and go to sleep without trouble. Measurements in this zone are a sign that your large airways are starting to narrow. You may start to have mild symptoms, such as coughing, feeling tired, feeling short of breath, or feeling like your chest is tightening.

These symptoms may keep you from your usual activities or from sleeping well. Readings in this zone mean you have severe narrowing of your large airways. This is a medical emergency. You should get help right away. You may be coughing, very short of breath, wheezing while breathing in and out, or having retractions the muscles between the ribs are working hard to help you breathe.

You may also have trouble walking and talking. Peak flow measurement using a peak flow meter is useful for people with asthma. During an asthma flare-up, the large airways in the lungs slowly begin to narrow. This slows the speed of air moving through the lungs. A peak flow meter can help show the narrowing of the airways well before an asthma attack happens. A peak flow meter can help you determine:. A peak flow meter can help you manage asthma.

It can give you and your healthcare provider information about how open the airways are in your lungs. The PFM can detect small changes in the large airways before you start to wheeze.

Using a PFM every day will let you know when your peak flows are starting to drop. This allows you to make early changes in your medicine or routine to help keep asthma symptoms from getting worse. The PFM can also identify the reading at which you need to call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room. Your healthcare provider may not advise you use a PFM unless your asthma is moderate or severe and you are managing it with medicine. PFM can also be used to assess other lung problems, such as:.

This is a chronic lung condition that affects the smallest air sacks in the lungs alveoli. Chronic bronchitis. This is long-term inflammation of the bronchi. It creates excess mucous and a chronic cough.

Use of a different type or brand of peak flow meter, as measurements may vary among brands and types of meters. Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully.

Ask questions if anything is not clear. Tell your healthcare provider if you take any medicines. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Before starting daily peak flow meter measuring, your healthcare provider may have you follow a detailed schedule over 2 to 3 weeks.

This value will be used as a baseline for your daily measurements. Peak flow measurement is done 1 or more times daily at the same time of day, or whenever you are having early signs of an asthma attack.

Or you should use it when directed by your healthcare provider. Use the peak flow meter PFM before taking asthma medicine. Your healthcare provider may advise other times when using a PFM is useful. Before each use, make sure the sliding pointer on the peak flow meter is reset to the 0 mark. Take a deep breath and put the mouthpiece in your mouth. Seal your lips and teeth tightly around the mouthpiece. Blow out as hard and as fast as you can.

Repeat this 3 times. The 3 readings should be close together. If not, adjust your technique. Record only the highest of the 3 readings on a graph or in a notebook. Do not average the numbers together. These are symptoms of a medical emergency:.

You may wish to visit your doctor and get a more accurate reading with a spirometer if your test results are concerning. A spirometer is a more advanced peak flow monitoring device. For this test, you will breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer machine that measures your breathing rates. COPD is a group of lung diseases that obstruct air flow from your lungs. Read about herbs and supplements you can take to treat it. A new study finds that people who walked about two to three miles per day were less likely to be hospitalized for COPD problems.

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Peripheral cyanosis is often caused by cold temperatures, but it can also indicate that you have a medical issue. Learn about diagnosis, treatment…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. When does a doctor recommend a peak expiratory flow rate test? How do I prepare for a peak expiratory flow rate test? How is a peak expiratory flow rate test given? Share on Pinterest. What are the risks associated with the peak expiratory flow rate test?

How do I know if my peak expiratory flow rate is normal? Green zone: 80 to percent of your usual flow rate This is the ideal zone.

It means your condition is under control. Yellow zone: 50 to 80 percent of your usual flow rate Your airways may be starting to narrow. Talk to your doctor about how to handle yellow zone results. Red zone: less than 50 percent of your normal rate Your airways are severely narrowing. Take your rescue medications and contact emergency services.

What does it mean if I get abnormal results?