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Peak flow meter (made in USA) Peak flow readings are higher when patients are well, and lower when the airways are constricted. From changes in recorded values, patients and doctors may determine lung functionality, the severity of asthma symptoms, and treatment.
MMEF or MEF stands for maximal (mid-)expiratory flow and is the peak of expiratory flow as taken from the flow-volume curve and measured in liters per second. It should theoretically be identical to peak expiratory flow (PEF), which is, however, generally measured by a peak flow meter and given in liters per minute. [16]
The peak expiratory flow can be measured at the bedside; in acute severe asthma, the flow is less than 50% of a person's normal or predicted flow. [6] Very severe acute asthma (termed "near-fatal" as there is an immediate risk to life) is characterised by a peak flow of less than 33% predicted, oxygen saturations below 92% or cyanosis (blue ...
Lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema may be ruled out from the tests. In addition, a spirometer often is used for finding the cause of shortness of breath, assessing the effect of contaminants on lung function, the effect of medication, and evaluating progress for disease treatment.
Pulmonary function testing is a diagnostic and management tool used for a variety of reasons, such as: Diagnose lung disease. Monitor the effect of chronic diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, or cystic fibrosis.
A peak flow meter can record variations in the severity of asthma over time. Spirometry, a measurement of lung function, can provide an assessment of the severity, reversibility, and variability of airflow limitation, and help confirm the diagnosis of asthma. [3]
Brittle asthma is a type of asthma distinguishable from other forms by recurrent, severe attacks. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] There are two subtypes divided by symptoms: Type 1 and Type 2, [ 4 ] depending on the stability of the patient's maximum speed of expiration, or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).
A peak flow meter is a hand-held device which measures how fast a person can exhale – peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) – and is a reliable test for occupational asthma. [16] Serial PEFR can be measured to see if there is a difference in ability to exhale at work compared to that in a controlled environment.