Читать книгу Asthma-Free Naturally: Everything you need to know about taking control of your asthma - Patrick McKeown - Страница 32

The peak flow meter, as used in conventional management, involves taking deep inhalations followed by large exhalations to measure the forced expiration of air in one second. This is an act of hyperventilation, and it can cause the airways to go into spasm, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate readings of the severity of asthma. In addition, blowing into a peak flow meter a number of times consecutively may be enough to start an attack. It is possible to continue to use your flow meter alongside the CP if desired. After taking a peak flow reading, the breath should be held for three to five seconds and the breathing reduced for three minutes to reverse the act of hyperventilation.

Scientists at Brunel University have recently devised a new product which allows people with asthma test their condition while they breathe normally. This device is based on capnography and measures the rate of change of carbon dioxide in exhaled air against time with normal breathing. Measurements are reliable and simple to take allowing asthmatic patients to accurately monitor their condition. It is worth noting that this device recognises the importance of correct carbon dioxide levels. Overtime, it may help change the current understanding regarding the significance of carbon dioxide.