Using A Peak Flow Air Machine To Gain Control Of Your Asthma

People and Asthma

Asthma is a disease that affects the flow of air through the bronchial tubes to become tightened, have inflammation or have spasms. Often times the inflammation causes coughing, wheezing or chest tightness. Asthma affects people of all ages, throughout their lives. There are about 14 million adults with asthma in the United States, and 6 million children in the United States with it. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma, but there are several ways to manage and control it.

Peak Flow Air Machines

A peak flow meter or peak flow air machine is a small device that tells the user how well air is flowing in and out of the lungs. It is mainly used for people who have asthma and can show when signs of asthma and an attack are coming. It is an important tool in an asthmatic's life.

Ways to Control Asthma Using Peak Flow Air Machines

Using a peak flow air machine is an important part of managing asthma and the signs of it. People with asthma should check their levels regularly to properly know how to control it. When using a peak flow meter, it is important to use it the same each time it is used to get the most accurate readings. It is also best to use it at the same time each day. By using a peak flow meter and keeping a journal for asthma and symptoms, it can help record different triggers of symptoms and attacks. It would be helpful to record such things as the date, the meter's readings and other specific information about what was encountered during the day. It may be useful to record places that were visited, information about the weather, such as pollen count (if that is a personal trigger) and temperature.

It also helps to use a peak flow air machine when:

• Symptoms of asthma cause the sufferer to wake up during the night.
• Increased noticeable symptoms occur during the day.
• Sick, with the cold or flu. That is when the symptoms of asthma can really flare up. Sometimes having a cold can bring on an asthma attack because the body is weakened.

What the Readings Determine

By doing regular tests and recording the readings it will help to show a number of things. It helps determine how severe the asthma symptoms were for the day, if treatments have been effective, recognize signs and symptoms as they are forming or even before the formation of them and most importantly, if immediate medical attention is needed.

Optimal Prevention and Management

Peak flow air machines are the best tools to use to manage and prevent asthma signs and symptoms. These helpful machines paired with regular exercise and avoiding places that may trigger negative affects are the best ways to limit the occurrence and amount of attacks. Sources: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/AS00022 http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-relief?page=1 http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/peak-flow-meter

Photo Credit: incurable_hippie

Comment on HelloLife

What's YOUR take on this? Does it bring up any questions? Can you offer more information on this? Did you just enjoy reading it? Leave your comment here!

First Name:

Last Name:

Your Email:

Security Code:

Confirm Code:

You are at least 13 years of age and agree to our terms of service.

(All fields Reqiuired)