Peak expiratory flow

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

(Redirected from Peak expiratory flow rate)

Peak Expiratory Flow

The Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), also known as Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), is a person's maximum speed of expiration. It can be measured by a Peak flow meter or by a spirometer. It is a large part of the lung function test (also known as a pulmonary function test) and is highly important in monitoring the condition of patients with asthma.

Measurement

PEF can be measured using a peak flow meter, which is a simple, portable, inexpensive device. The patient takes a deep breath and then exhales into the device as hard and fast as possible. The measurement is typically taken in the morning and evening, and the results are recorded for comparison and trend analysis.

Clinical significance

PEF is a key measurement in the diagnosis and management of asthma. It can help to determine the severity of the asthma, monitor the response to treatment, and identify triggers. It is also used in the management of other respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Limitations

While PEF is a useful tool, it has some limitations. It is effort-dependent, meaning the results can vary based on the patient's effort. It is also less accurate in measuring lower airway obstruction compared to other tests such as spirometry.

See also

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia


References


External links


Respiratory therapy
Occupations
Degrees
Specialties
Other




Medical tests
Blood tests
Imaging
Cardiac tests
Urine tests
Stool tests
This medical test related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.




Pulmonology topics
Diseases
Diagnostic
Treatments
Related fields
Professionals
This pulmonology-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.


  • Peak flow meter horizontal view

  • Peak flow meter

  • Normal values for peak expiratory flow - EU scale

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.org/w/index.php?title=Peak_expiratory_flow&oldid=6315714"

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD