Check Your Peak Flows
A peak flow meter is a device that measures how quickly a person is able to push air out of the lungs. Monitoring your breathing with it can help you and your doctor determine whether your asthma is acting up.
- A score of 80% or better of your best reading usually means your asthma is well managed and your lung function is good
- A score between 50% and 80% means you need to carefully monitor how well you feel
- A score below 50% indicates you should consult your physician
Peak flow meter instructions:
Your doctor will tell you when and how often to measure your peak flow. But here are some simple instructions to get you started.
Be sure to write down your results and share them with your doctor.
- Move the marker of your peak flow meter to "0" or to the lowest position. Stand up. If you can't do so, be sure to sit up straight. Make sure you're in the same position each time you perform the test.
- Take in the deepest breath you can.
- Place the mouthpiece of the meter into your mouth, between your teeth. Close your lips tightly around it. Be sure your tongue does not block the opening.
- Blow into the mouthpiece once, as hard and as fast as you can.
- Take the meter out of your mouth, and then look at the marker's position. Write this number down. Then move the marker back to "0" or the lowest position on the scale.
- Repeat the test two more times.
- Write down in your daily journal the highest of the three numbers. This is your peak flow result.
- Talk to your doctor about these results.
Important Safety Information About ADVAIR DISKUS and ADVAIR HFA 45/21, 115/21, 230/21 (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) Inhalation Aerosol
Prescription ADVAIR won't replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms and should not be taken more than twice a day. ADVAIR is for people who still have symptoms on another asthma controller, or who need two controllers. ADVAIR contains salmeterol. In patients with asthma, medicines like salmeterol may increase the chance of asthma-related death. So ADVAIR is not for people whose asthma is well controlled on another controller medicine.
Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of treating asthma with ADVAIR. Do not use ADVAIR with long-acting beta2-agonists for any reason. If taking ADVAIR, see the doctor if asthma does not improve or gets worse. Thrush in the mouth and throat may occur. Tell the doctor about any heart condition or high blood pressure. Some people may experience increased blood pressure, heart rate, or changes in heart rhythm. Inhaled corticosteroids as well as poorly controlled asthma may cause a reduction in growth rate. The long-term effect on final adult height is unknown.
ADVAIR DISKUS is for patients 4 years and older. For patients 4 to 11 years old, ADVAIR DISKUS 100/50 is for those who have asthma symptoms while on an inhaled corticosteroid.
ADVAIR HFA is for patients 12 years and older.