Podiatry
See how Main Line Health’s dedicated team of podiatrists provide expert care, ensuring comprehensive treatment for your foot and ankle conditions.
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.
Lung and Thoracic
Main Line Health experts use the latest technology to diagnose and treat all types of conditions affecting the chest, lungs and esophagus.
Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation
Learn how Main Line Health can change the lives of you and your loved ones through physical and cognitive rehab for several conditions and injuries.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care
Receive inclusive LGBTQ+ medical care at Main Line Health in a compassionate and welcoming space at locations in the Philadelphia region.
Addiction
Expert-led rehab with personalized plans for effective addiction treatment and recovery.
Stroke and Neurointervention
Main Line Health is one of few community health systems offering state-of-the-art neurointervention care. Through our collaboration with the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, our Neurointervention Program is an accredited thrombectomy-capable stoke center.
General Surgery
General surgeons are doctors who are board certified as specialists in many different types of surgery. At Main Line Health, our general surgeons are an important part of your care team.
Anesthesiology
Main Line Health’s anesthesiologists play a critical role in your total care before, during and after surgery.