Peak Flow Meter Readings   The peak flow meter is an important tool in the control of asthma Children as young as three as well as adults and older adults with impaired lung function have found peak flow readings helpful in managing and controlling asthma. To use your meter properly: 1. Set the indicator at the base of the numbered scale. 2. Stand up 3. Breathe deeply 4. Place the meter in your mouth 5. Close your lips around the mouthpiece tightly; do not put your tongue in the opening. 6. Blow out&emdash;as quickly and with as much force as you can. 7. Write down the number indicated on the scale 8. Repeat steps 1 through 6. Write down the number. 9. Repeat this process again so that you will have three readings from your peak flow meter. 10. Now look at the three numbers and record the highest one on your calendar or meter reading chart. Your health care professional will give you a range for measuring your "personal best" peak flow. There are three possible zones, often identified by color. Each person with asthma will have his or her own best numbers. Write your own range for each color as provided by your health care professional: Green means all clear. Your asthma is under control. You should be able to do regular activities, sleep through the night, and ideally, have few or no symptoms following the routine treatment plan. Yellow means you need to be careful. 50 to 80 percent of personal best signals that your airways may be narrowing and may need extra treatment. You may not be able to do all of your activities or sleep through the night. You may be coughing, wheezing, or having chest tightness. Ask yourself why. Have you followed your treatment plan? Have you been exposed to a trigger? Take the steps recommended in your treatment plan. If readings and /or symptoms don't improve with medication, respond to warning signs and call your doctor. Red means danger. Below 50% of personal best constitutes a medical emergency. Call your doctor. You may be having asthma symptoms when you are resting or when active. Take your short-acting bronchodilator medication immediately. If the peak flow meter readings don't quickly return to and stay in the yellow or green zones, follow the action plan provided by your doctor for getting help fast. Once you have recovered, review events and find out why this occurred in order to exert control.   ABOUT THIS PROGRAM | UNDERSTANDING ASTHMA MANAGING YOUR ASTHMA | CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA | FOR MORE INFORMATION | MAIN PAGE BACK TO HEALTHWORKS © 1998 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.