Peak Flow Meters

Photo of kinds of peak flow meters

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A peak flow meter is an inexpensive, pocket-sized device that measures peak expiratory flow (PEF), or how fast a person can breathe out. To measure PEF, the person takes a deep breath and then blows into a tube on the peak flow meter as hard and as fast as possible. This can be done at home.

Peak flow meters come in many shapes and sizes.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerSue Barton, PhD, PsyD - Behavioral Health
Last RevisedAugust 26, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: August 26, 2011
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD, MD - Family Medicine
Sue Barton, PhD, PsyD - Behavioral Health

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