Peak Expiratory Flow
Current as of: June 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:John Pope, MD, MPH – Pediatrics & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD – Internal Medicine
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a measure of how much air a person can exhale while breathing out as hard and fast as possible. PEF is used to evaluate the condition of the airways in people who have asthma or other conditions that affect their ability to breathe. When the airways become narrowed because of inflammation…
Current as of: June 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine
06/09/2019
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a measure of how much air a person can exhale while breathing out as hard and fast as possible. PEF is used to evaluate the condition of the airways in people who have asthma or other conditions that affect their ability to breathe.
When the airways become narrowed because of inflammation or disease, the peak expiratory flow drops. Even before symptoms of asthma occur, a decrease in the peak rate can show that the bronchial tubes have narrowed.
Peak expiratory flow may be measured at home using an inexpensive device called a peak flow meter. Or it may be measured in a doctor’s office using a spirometer.
Current as of: June 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:John Pope, MD, MPH – Pediatrics & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD – Internal Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Current as of: June 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine
06/09/2019
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.