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Peak Flow Monitoring

What is peak flow?

Peak flow is the measurement of how effectively air moves out of your lungs . A peak flow meter monitors your asthma the way a blood pressure cuff monitors your blood pressure. Measuring peak flow helps determine any narrowing in your airways before you have an actual attack. This allows you to take your medicine before a serious attack develops.

Why is peak flow monitoring so important?

Peak flow monitoring allows you and your doctor to manage your condition effectively. It gives an accurate picture of your condition that allows your doctor to make appropriate decisions regarding the effectiveness of your medicine plan and treatment plan .

Other benefits of peak flow monitoring include the following:

  • Helps you decide whether your condition is serious enough to seek emergency treatment.
  • Allows you to detect early stages of airway obstruction to start immediate treatment.
  • Gives you an accurate picture of the variations in your condition over a 24- hour period. This permits your doctor to prescribe treatment when you need it the most.
  • Helps you differentiate between airway obstruction and other causes of breathlessness like hyperventilation.
  • Allows you to ascertain specific allergens, irritants, or workplace exposures that may cause your symptoms to develop.
  • Enables you to communicate more effectively with your doctor so that he or she can provide guidance over the phone if needed.
  • May be an effective detector to monitor whether your asthma symptoms have stabilized, improved, or deteriorated/worsened.

How do I start?

Most adults and young children can use a peak flow meter.

All it requires is a short, hard blow of air into the meter. Here's how to use the peak flow meter :

  • Place the indicator at the base of the numbered scale.
  • Sit upright or stand up.
  • Take a deep breath .
  • Place the meter in your mouth and close your lips around the mouthpiece. Be sure not to put your tongue in the hole.
  • Blow out as hard and fast as you can.
  • Write down the number that you get.
  • Repeat the above steps two more times.
  • Write down the highest of the three numbers in your asthma diary.

What is the "Three Zone" system?

You need to find your personal best peak flow number. This is the highest number that you can attain over a 2-week period when you feel good and do not have any asthma symptoms. These measurements should be taken when you wake up and in the evening. They should also be taken before and after taking an inhaled medication , if you use one. Keep an accurate record of these readings so that you can discuss them with your doctor.

Peak flow numbers have been put into zones that are set up like a traffic light. Using your personal best peak flow number, you can determine what zone the reading falls in and respond with the appropriate treatment.

For example:

traffic signal with red, yellow, and green lights

GREEN ZONE (80% to 100% of your personal
best number)

The green zone signals all clear. No asthma symptoms are present and you can take your medications as you have been doing.

YELLOW ZONE (50% to 8O% of your personal best number)

The yellow zone signals caution. You may be having an asthma attack that requires an increase in medication, or your doctor may need to change your treatment plan because your asthma is not under control.

RED ZONE (below 50% of your
personal best number)

The red zone signals a medical alert. You should first take your short-acting bronchodilator immediately and then contact your doctor right away.

Be sure to talk to your doctor regarding peak flow monitoring. Your particular zones should be established based on your individual condition.

How do I keep track of my peak flow readings?

It is important to keep a daily diary of your peak flow readings so that you and your doctor can better evaluate your treatment plan . This information can help you to effectively control your condition and lead a more active, healthy life.

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Asthma, Allergies and Pregnancy

 

If you are pregnant and have asthma or allergies, you may feel uneasy about taking medications, but it is very important to keep your symptoms under control.

How do you stay healthy and know which medications are best for you during your pregnancy?

An allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, can tell you which asthma and allergy medications are the safest and most effective to take throughout pregnancy. Make an appointment with an allergist soon after you discover you are pregnant to develop or review your personal treatment plan and to give you peace of mind.

In the meantime, here are answers to some common questions.

Can women with asthma have safe pregnancies?
Yes. With good asthma management, you can keep your asthma under control and have a healthy baby.

How does uncontrolled asthma affect the fetus?
Uncontrolled asthma symptoms can cause a decrease in the amount of oxygen in your blood supply. The fetus gets its oxygen from your blood. Since a fetus needs a constant supply of oxygen for normal growth and development, managing asthma symptoms is very important to allow you and your baby to get enough oxygen.

Is it safe to take my asthma medications?
The risks of asthma flare-ups are greater than the risks of taking necessary asthma medications. Studies show that most inhaled asthma medications are safe for women to use while pregnant. However, oral medications (pills) should be avoided unless necessary to control symptoms. Knowing which medications to take is a good reason to stay in close contact with your allergist so he or she can monitor your condition and alter your medications or dosages if needed.

Will being pregnant affect my asthma symptoms?
Pregnancy may affect the severity of your asthma symptoms. One study showed that asthma symptoms were worse in 35% of pregnant women, improved in 28% and remained the same in 33% of pregnant women. Asthma has a tendency to get worse in the late second and early third trimesters.

Can I continue to get allergy shots during pregnancy?
Allergy shots (a form of immunotherapy) are safe to take while you are pregnant. As always, your allergist will monitor your dose to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to the shots. These reactions are rare; however, a reaction could be harmful to the fetus. Allergy shots are not started on patients who are pregnant but can be continued on patients who become pregnant while receiving it. Although current immunotherapy doses can be maintained during pregnancy, doses should not be increased until after delivery.

What should I avoid if I have asthma or allergies?
Whether you are pregnant or not, you should stay away from things that trigger your symptoms. This might include dust mites and animal dander, and irritants such as cigarette smoke.

Can women with asthma perform Lamaze?
Most women with asthma are able to do Lamaze breathing techniques without any problems. Asthma symptoms are rare during labor and delivery in women whose asthma has been managed during pregnancy.

Can I breastfeed if I am taking medications for my asthma or allergies?
Breastfeeding is a good way to increase your child's immunity, and it is strongly recommended. Medications recommended for use during pregnancy can be continued while nursing, because the baby gets less maternal medicine through breast milk than in the womb. Your allergist can discuss with you the best treatments while nursing.

Healthy Tips
Although these are common questions during pregnancy, each patient's individual treatment varies. It is best to visit your allergist regularly during pregnancy so that any worsening of asthma can be countered by appropriate changes in your asthma management plan. Make sure to discuss any specific concerns with your physician to ensure the healthiest pregnancy for your well being and that of your baby.

• You can have a healthy pregnancy if you have asthma or allergies.
• Managing your symptoms is very important during pregnancy.
• Do not stop taking your medications.
• An allergist has special training to develop or review a treatment plan that is right for you while you are pregnant.

 www.aaaai.org

 

The post Asthma, Allergies and Pregnancy appeared first on Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

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