People with asthma can benefit from an objective means of assessing asthma
symptoms. The asma-1 meter is an inexpensive, practical way to measure lung function
at home.
The asma-1 meter measures how fast and how much air you or your child can blow out
after taking a deep breath. As reviewed above, these measures are PEF and FEV1.
These measures, which are read as numbers, may reflect the amount of obstruction in
the airways. Monitoring PEF and FEV1 numbers can help you and your health care
provider assess lung function. This is helpful in making decisions about the following:
Effectiveness of asthma medications
Adding or stopping medication(s)
When to seek emergency care
Effectiveness of environmental control measures
Level of asthma control
Peak flow and FEV1 numbers are effort dependent. This means you or your child needs
to put forth a good effort to have reliable, consistent results.
How to insert or change the batteries in the asma-1 meter
The asma-1 meter does not come with the batteries in the device. You must put the
batteries in the device before you use it. The battery cover is on the back of the device.
1.
Open the battery cover.
2.
Insert the 2 AAA 1.5V batteries. Place the negative and positive side in the correct
position.
3.
Replace the battery cover.
How to use the asma-1 meter
1.
Attach the mouthpiece to the device.
2.
Press the round white ON/OFF button to turn the monitor on.
3.
The display will show a circle icon when it is ready for a test.
4.
Stand up (or sit up straight). Hold the asma-1 meter with both
hands.
5.
Take a deep breath in.
6.
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth; close your lips around
the mouthpiece. Do not put your tongue in the mouthpiece.
7.
Blow out as hard and as fast as you can without bending
over. Blow for a second or more.
8.
Wait about 3 seconds and the results will be displayed. The
PEF will be displayed first, then the FEV1.
9.
With the circle icon is displayed, repeat steps 4 through 8.
Usually 3 blows are required.
10.
To view the best PEF and FEV1 push the enter (middle white) button. The best PEF
and FEV1 are stored in the device.
Note: If the
!
appears, the technique was poor and you need to blow again. Remember
to blow hard and fast.
How to determine your personal best?
