A peak flow meter is a pocket-size device that measures peak expiratory flow (PEF), or how much air a person can quickly 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. A scale on the device shows how much air is breathed out. This can be done at home.
Peak flow meters come in many shapes and sizes.
Current as of:
November 14, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: John Pope MD - Pediatrics Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads MD - Internal Medicine Lesley Ryan MD - Family Medicine
Medical Review:John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine & Caroline S. Rhoads MD - Internal Medicine & Lesley Ryan MD - Family Medicine