Peak Flow Meters

You can check on your asthma by blowing into a peak flow meter (PFM). It will tell you whether your airways are wide or narrow. Children under the age of 7 years may find this hard to do so parents can instead use a diary to record and monitor symptoms of their child’s asthma. Not everyone with asthma will use a peak flow meter. Generally they are used for people who require asthma medications at least once a day. It is best if an individual uses the same peak flow meter for each measurement as readings may vary slightly between different peak flow meters.

PFM are generally used in conjunction with an "Asthma Action Plan" set out by the doctor. Peak Flow Meters, Action Plans and diary cards are available from The Asthma Foundation of WA or your pharmacist. Contact the Asthma Foundation of WA to find out more about Peak Flow Meters and how to use them. Ask for the following brochure or send a stamped self addressed envelope with an order form: "Asthma What’s Your Score?”

Having an Asthma Action Plan

An Asthma Action Plan helps you to recognise when asthma is getting worse and tells you what to do when this happens. The plan may need to be changed from time to time if your or your child's asthma changes.

An action plan should provide the following information.

• How to recognise worsening asthma
• What to do when this happens
• How to get medical help quickly

You need to have your action plan reviewed following an acute attack