The information provided on our website is not intended to replace professional medical or healthcare advice. It is our aim to help make certain health-related information more readily available and useful to you, however, our website cannot and does not guarantee health-related improvements or outcomes.

Any information provided to you by, or linked to from, our website, does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor you should rely on that output as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always talk to a qualified medical or healthcare professional about any medical conditions.

Any decisions you take affecting your health should always be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional. You should not rely on the information set out on our website as your primary tool for making health-related decisions.

For more information - https://safeymedicaldevices.wpcomstaging.com/how-to-know-if-your-child-is-taking-their-asthma-meds-on-time/

Once your little one gets to a certain age where they are mature enough, they will need to start taking their inhaler without supervision. This can be a daunting time for parents, who worry not only if their child is taking their inhaler, but also whether they are taking their medication correctly.

It’s so essential that asthma sufferers take their medication at the set times, to prevent any unnecessary attacks and maintain their overall health. You may get sick of nagging your child to take their inhaler but persisting and continuously encouraging them can really make a huge difference. Life gets hectic sometimes, and it’s so easy to forget without enough prompting and reminders.

Asthma in children can be hard to manage, as there’s lots to think about and consider. But you must remember, the most important thing to focus on is medication adherence. In the past, there was no way of really knowing if your child takes their medication properly, other than asking teachers and family members.

Or by visiting the doctor, checking their health, and giving them, another run through of how to use their inhaler properly. But thankfully, technology has given parents a new understanding of their child’s asthma medication.

So, if you want to keep track of their doses and know if your child is taking their medication correctly and on time, it’s worth investing in a smart inhaler.

Enquire or Share Your Questions If Any Before the Purchasing This Device -  https://www.safeymedicaldevices.com/enquire-now/

What Does a Spirometer Do?

So, first things first, what exactly can a Spirometer achieve and what is it used for in the world of lung function?

As a simple, quick, and painless way to check your lungs and airways, the NHS state that a spirometer can be used to diagnose a lung condition, if you feel you are experiencing symptoms OR if your GP feels you may be at risk of developing a certain lung condition.

Despite its effectiveness when it comes to diagnose lung conditions such as asthma and COPD, a 2015 US study showed that just 47.6% of 134,208 asthma patients had spirometry performed within a year of their diagnosis.

How Does a Spirometer Work?

As a test for lung function, the Spirometer will take place at a scheduled appointment, usually at your GP with a practice nurse.

«Before starting, you will be shown by the nurse how to blow into the spirometer.

You may also have to wear a clip on your nose – this is to make sure all the air goes into the mouthpiece and doesn’t escape anywhere.

When you are ready to be tested, you’ll sit comfortably and:

✅ Take a deep full breath in, so that your lungs are filled with air

✅ Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece

✅ Exhale as quickly and forcefully as you can, making sure you empty your lungs fully

The spirometry test will usually need to be repeated at least 3 times.

This is to make sure a reliable result is achieved.

The nurse or other health care professional may then ask you to use your inhaler (salbutamol), wait for 15 minutes, and then repeat the test.

For some other medication, such as ipratropium bromide the wait may be 30-45 minutes between tests. This is called a reversibility test and is used to see if the medication makes an improvement to your breathing.

What does a Peak Flow Meter do?

On the other hand, a peak flow meter, is a hand-held device used to measure the rate of a person’s air flow (the rate at which air is blown out of the lungs).

Patients can use peak-flow meters as a helpful way to regularly measure their airflow and work out their maximum speed of expiration.

This is known as the peak expiratory flow (PEF).

Peak flow is a useful tool when it comes to diagnosing asthma.

If you find that you are experiencing symptoms relating to asthma, your doctor will use a peak flow meter to measure your air flow and to see how just open your airways are.

How Does a Peak Flow Meter Work?

It’s important to be able to use your peak flow meter correctly otherwise the readings will not be accurate.

In the first instance, your doctor or nurse will show you exactly how to take a peak flow reading and follow the steps below:

✅ Initially, you will need to put the marker to zero.

✅ Inhale deeply

✅ Then seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and blow as hard and as fast as you can into the device

✅ Take a note of what your reading is

✅ Do this again for another two blows, one straight after the other and note the readings. Remember to slide the red indicator back to its start position each time.

✅Record the highest reading, with the date and time.

Your doctor will work with you to help determine your own scale to use on your meter. This will be based on various factors, including your age, height, gender, and overall health.

To use your peak flow meter in the most effective way, you need to ensure that you take your readings every day, and always keep a record of symptoms.

When else might a Peak Flow Meter be helpful?

As a way in which to monitor your asthma, a Peak Flow Meter could also be used in the following instances:

➡ When your medication has changed (i.e., a new drug or different dose)

➡ Are relying on your blue reliever inhaler more than usual

➡ If you know that you have been exposed to one of your known triggers (for example, pollen)

➡ If you are feeling generally unwell

➡ If your asthma symptoms are keeping you up at night

Test Results

The first time a patient uses a peak flow meter to measure their lung function, a baseline or personal best is made clear.

From then on, the results of each test will be compared with this initial baseline and placed into one of three peak flow zones.

https://www.safeymedicaldevices.com/