Measurement of lung efficiency
Controlling lung function is also possible at home. Measurement of lung efficiency is an important element of diagnostics, because the progressive nature of the disease causes that we are getting used to the pathological condition. An important help in the early detection of an approaching exacerbation of the disease are measurements using the so-called peak flow meter, which is used to measure the maximum exhaled air flow rate (maximum exhalation force), so-called PER
Performing the measurement, take deeply the air, stop, put the mouthpiece tightly covering it with your lips, and then blow the air out of your lungs as quickly and as much as possible, as if trying to extinguish the burning candle.
PEF measurement is done three times over and over again, and the highest value is recorded on a special graph. Usually, the measurement is repeated twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. For the stability of asthma, one-time high PEF value is not important, but the smallest fluctuation of these values over a longer period of time.
Decreasing PEF values within one or several days is a sign of impending exacerbation of the disease, eg in the course of infection. Properly early detection of this phenomenon allows you to change the current dose of medication and prevent the severity of asthma. It is very important to make exhaust measurements in the morning and in the evening for a longer period of time and apply them on an appropriate scale. This allows you to determine your own best PEF value during a period of well-being. When it is known, in the future you can use only random measurements, referring them to the best value (as its percentage). Depending on the percentage of PEF, there are special schemes to facilitate the modification of the drugs used.