Abstract

MIQUEL-GOMARA PERELLO, J.; ROMAN RODRIGUEZ, M.  and  SOCIETAT BALEAR DE MEDICINA FAMILIAR I COMUNITARIA. Grupo de Respiratorio. Peak-flow meter: technique and utilities in Primary Health Care. Medifam [online]. 2002, vol.12, n.3, pp.76-91. ISSN 1131-5768.

The measurement of peak expiratory flow (PEF) using portable devices, is one of the more accessible tools in general practice for testing pulmonary function in asthmatics. We define the PEF and we review the peak flowmeters´ technical characteristics and their advantages and disadvantages comparing to spirometers, then we discuss the indications for using PEF measurement for diagnosis, short and long monitoring and crisis control.

Keywords : Asthma; Peak expiratory flow rate; Primary Health Care.

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