Asthma And Peak Flow

Asthma And Peak Flow
By Daniel Lanicek

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that constricts and
inflames the airways. This causes excess mucus to form in the
lungs and a narrowing of the airways that causes the symptoms of
wheezing, shortness or breath, coughing, and tightness in the
chest. A severe constriction of the airways, often caused by
allergens or excessive exercise, is called an attack.

One way that people with can detect if they are going to
have an attack is by measuring their peak expiratory flow
or peak flow for short. Peak flow measures how fast a person
breathes out when that person tries his or her hardest.
Basically, it tells a person how well his or her lungs and
airways are working. This is often measured with a peak flow
meter, a small analog or digital device that a person breathes
into.

Peak flow assists people with by telling them that an
asthma attack is likely to occur. If a person's peak flow is low
then the person's is bothering him or her and the
likelihood of an attack increases. This may be caused by
triggers that increase the symptoms such as pollen,
cigarette smoke, or dust. A peak flow meter can help a person
detect these triggers and steps can be made to remove the person
from the triggers.

Measuring peak flow is also often used to access if certain
asthma medications are helping a person or not. If a person's
peak flow measurement is low then it may be a

cue to change or
increase medications to alleviate the symptoms and
prevent the likelihood of an attack. If a peak flow is
very high, then it may be possible to reduce the dosage of
medications. No changes to medications should be made without
the consultation of the doctor.

Asthma is a very serious disease that affects millions of
children and adults worldwide. If you or someone you know has
asthma, you owe it to yourself to learn all that you can about
this chronic respiratory disease.

About the Author: Daniel Lanicek is an life long sufferer of
asthma on a mission to heighten world awareness of asthma. You
can learn more about at http://www.asthmaexplained.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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