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Peak flow meter

A person with asthma commonly uses a peak flow meter to measure the amount of air they can expel from their lungs. If the airways become narrow or blocked due to asthma, peak flow values will drop because you cannot blow air out of the lungs well. You can use a peak flow meter to monitor your asthma over time and to help determine how well your medications are working.

Reviewed last on: 5/21/2009
Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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