This document discusses peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), including its purpose, measurement steps, and significance. PEFR is measured using a peak flow monitor to assess, diagnose, manage, and determine prognosis of lung diseases like asthma. It involves preparing the device, standing up straight, taking a deep breath, and blowing hard into the mouthpiece to measure airflow in L/min. Normal PEFR values vary based on age, sex, and height but are generally above 500 L/min for adult males and 400 L/min for adult females. PEFR tests allow patterns in airflow to be monitored over time to help adjust medications or identify environmental triggers.

1. Peak Expiratory
Flow rate
By : Rekha Marbate

2. Content
Introduction
Purpose of measurement
Steps of measurement
Significance and normal values

3. Introduction
• The PEFR test is also called peak
flow.
• This test is commonly performed at
home with a handheld device called a
peak flow monitor.
• Measured in L/min

4. Purpose of
measurement
• Assessment
• Diagnosis
• Management
• Prognosis of disease

5. Assessment
• PEFR test to be useful, you must keep continuous records of your
flow rate.
• One may not notice patterns that occur when your flow rate is low or
decreasing.
• These patterns can help you prevent your symptoms from worsening
before a full-blown asthma attack.
• The PEFR test can help you discover when you need to adjust your
medication.
• Or it can help determine whether environmental factors or pollutants
are affecting your breathing.

6. diagnosis
• The PEFR test is a common test that helps to diagnose and
check lung problems, such as:
1. asthma
2. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
3. a transplanted lung that is not working properly

7. Management
• Medical management :- use of meter dose bronchodilator also
called as asthma pump
• Physiotherapy management -
1. To relieve breathlessness
2. Anxiety
3. Improve breathing rate and depth
4. Remove secretions

8. Prognosis
• It helps to determine if lung disorder treatments are working to
prevent symptoms from worsening.
• Rate of improvement
• Expected management for further improvement

9. Steps of
measurement
• Device: Mini Wright's
peak Flow Meter

10. Patient preparation:
• Loose and comfortable clothing- l tight clothing that might
prevent you from breathing deeply.
• Make sure to stand or sit up straight while you’re taking the
test.

11. Device preparation
1. Keep marker at 0.
2. Device should be clean and sterilized
3. Check before administration

12. Procedure:
• Breathe in as deeply as you can.
• Blow into the mouthpiece as quickly and as hard as you can. Do
not put your tongue in front of the mouthpiece.
• Do the test three times.
• Note the highest speed of the three.

15. Significance and
normal values
• For normal healthy adult of height 5
feet 5 inch,
• Male- > 500 L/min
• Female > 400 L/Min

16. • Estimate the normative
value as per age,
sex and height
• Categories the values
zone wise