Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic doctors at Main Line Health treat simple to complex sports and accident-related injuries as well as the painful effects of many conditions that limit your mobility and cause pain. Find an orthopaedic surgeon near me.
Peak Flow Test
What is a peak flow test?
Peak flow measurement is a quick test to measure air flowing in and out of the lungs.
The measurement is called the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). It’s also known as the peak expiratory flow (PEF). Peak flow measurement is mostly done by people who have asthma.
Peak flow measurement can show:
- The amount of air breathed in
- The amount of air breathed out
- The rate at which the air is breathed in and out from the lungs
During the test, you blow forcefully into the mouthpiece of a device. A peak flow meter (PFM) is used most often. This is a small handheld device made of plastic. A PFM is small and light enough to be used almost anywhere. It’s important to use the same PFM on a regular basis. The readings can vary between brands and types of meters. In some cases, the test is done in a healthcare provider's office or a hospital with a spirometer. This device has a handheld mouth piece that’s attached by cord to a larger electronic machine.
Peak flow zones
An important part of peak flow measurement is noting peak flow zones. Peak flow zones are areas of measurement on a peak flow meter. The goal of the peak flow zones is to show early symptoms of uncontrolled asthma. Peak flow zones are set differently for each person. Your healthcare provider will help determine your peak flow zones.
The 3 peak flow zones are noted by color and include:
- Green – This means “go.” The green zone is 80 to 100 percent of your highest peak flow reading, or personal best. This is the zone you should be in every day. When your measurements are in this zone, air is moving well through the large airways in your lungs. It means that you can do your usual activities and go to sleep without trouble.
- Yellow – This means “caution” or “slow down.” The yellow zone is 50 to 80 percent of your personal best. Measurements in this zone are a sign that your large airways are starting to narrow. You may start to have mild symptoms, such as coughing, feeling tired, feeling short of breath, or feeling like your chest is tightening. These symptoms may keep you from your usual activities or from sleeping well.
- Red – This means “stop.” The red zone is less than 50 percent of your personal best. Readings in this zone mean you have severe narrowing of your large airways. This is a medical emergency. You should get help right away. You may be coughing, very short of breath, wheezing while breathing in and out, or having retractions (the muscles between the ribs are working hard to help you breathe). You may also have trouble walking and talking.
Neurosurgery
Discover how Main Line Health neurosurgeons provide expert care, from routine to complex spinal and nervous system conditions for patients.
Pediatrics
Learn how Main Line Health pediatricians collaborate with CHOP subspecialty doctors to provide the utmost optimal care for children.
Trauma and Acute Care
Main Line Health provides life-saving care and urgent support at trauma centers located throughout the Philadelphia region.
Palliative Care
Palliative care at Main Line Health is a service offered to seriously ill hospitalized patients. At the request of the patient's physician, the palliative care team recommends pain and symptom management.
Gender Care Program
We offer streamlined access to a team of medical, surgical, behavioral health and support specialists, in partnership with Main Line Health LGBTQ Inclusive Care for gender-affirming care.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care
Receive inclusive LGBTQ+ medical care at Main Line Health in a compassionate and welcoming space at locations in the Philadelphia region.
Oral Care
Main Line Health dentists and oral surgeons can help you keep a healthy smile for a lifetime by visiting one of our locations throughout the Philadelphia area.