Peak flow meter use in asthma management. Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Peak flow monitoring is used to assist in establishing a diagnosis of asthma, to measure asthma severity, to assess the response to treatment and to recognise deteriorating asthma. This article describes the advantages and limitations of peak flow monitoring, practical aspects of peak flow meter use and the circumstances in which peak flow monitoring is most likely to ensure better patient outcomes. Recommendations are made for a written action plan, based on peak flow monitoring, for the effective management of asthma at home and treatment of asthma exacerbations.