Q&A: How Can I Make Sure My Child Is Using Their Peak Flow Meter Correctly?
This simple device can offer daily insight into your child’s asthma. Here’s how to make the most of it.
A peak flow meter measures how fast you can exhale air from your lungs, and it’s an important tool for monitoring your breathing. Parents can explain this to their child by saying, “This is another tool to tell us whether you need more medication or if we need to do something specific for you to get better.”
Your child’s doctor can teach you and your child how to use one, but the education should not end there. Make sure to have regular check-ins with your child. Ask them, “Can we go over how you do this?” or “Can you show me how you do this?” You want to have your child demonstrate it for you, so if they miss a step, you can give them helpful feedback and encourage them. Help them create a seal around their mouth and make sure there are no gaps.
Using a peak flow meter takes just a moment of their time, and when it becomes part of their daily routine, it can help them stay on top of their asthma.
