An asthma peak flow meter is a device used to measure and record how fast air moves out of the lungs of an asthma sufferer.
As asthma symptoms worsen, the airways in the lungs become tighter and begin to narrow, which can be observed through analyzing the readings on this specialist air lung capacity meter.
This device is an invaluable tool for any asthma sufferer, and most doctors recommend their regular use and recording of results in order to monitor which zone of asthma danger the patient is in.
There are a wide range of asthma peak flow meters available, both in the traditional format with the sliding notch to indicate air speed, and the new range of digital meters that record results electronically.
The question many people with asthma are asking is do the more expensive digital models offer benefits over the old mechanical type? The first issue is one of accuracy.
Studies have shown that there is no significant difference between a digital and regular asthma peak flow meter, so if this is a concern for you, don't feel you need to shell out for a digital model, the old kind works just as well.
Additionally, the old kind doesn't require batteries or recharging, so this can also be a downside for some users.
Recording your results is where the digital version shines.
The digital models allow you to record weeks worth of daily results on the device itself, saving you having to record the results in a diary.
The results can be downloaded to your computer, where you can do some analysis yourself of results over time, generate graphs and see clear indications of which zone you are currently in.
Additionally, the digital models are great if you have kids with asthma, as we've found that the kids seem to think they are 'cooler', and are easier to convince to use the asthma peak flow meter each day.
An additional downside to a digital meter is it will have to either be recharged or have batteries changed.
Most will go for quite some time without needing new power, as they are likely only on for minutes a day, but this could still be an additional drawback for some people.
In conclusion, there's no clear winner in the stakes between a digital and regular asthma peak flow meter.
If you'd like the recording flexibility and can wear the extra cost, a digital may be for you, but if you are looking for a budget option without the annoyance of batteries and power concerns, the traditional kind of meter will do just fine.
As asthma symptoms worsen, the airways in the lungs become tighter and begin to narrow, which can be observed through analyzing the readings on this specialist air lung capacity meter.
This device is an invaluable tool for any asthma sufferer, and most doctors recommend their regular use and recording of results in order to monitor which zone of asthma danger the patient is in.
There are a wide range of asthma peak flow meters available, both in the traditional format with the sliding notch to indicate air speed, and the new range of digital meters that record results electronically.
The question many people with asthma are asking is do the more expensive digital models offer benefits over the old mechanical type? The first issue is one of accuracy.
Studies have shown that there is no significant difference between a digital and regular asthma peak flow meter, so if this is a concern for you, don't feel you need to shell out for a digital model, the old kind works just as well.
Additionally, the old kind doesn't require batteries or recharging, so this can also be a downside for some users.
Recording your results is where the digital version shines.
The digital models allow you to record weeks worth of daily results on the device itself, saving you having to record the results in a diary.
The results can be downloaded to your computer, where you can do some analysis yourself of results over time, generate graphs and see clear indications of which zone you are currently in.
Additionally, the digital models are great if you have kids with asthma, as we've found that the kids seem to think they are 'cooler', and are easier to convince to use the asthma peak flow meter each day.
An additional downside to a digital meter is it will have to either be recharged or have batteries changed.
Most will go for quite some time without needing new power, as they are likely only on for minutes a day, but this could still be an additional drawback for some people.
In conclusion, there's no clear winner in the stakes between a digital and regular asthma peak flow meter.
If you'd like the recording flexibility and can wear the extra cost, a digital may be for you, but if you are looking for a budget option without the annoyance of batteries and power concerns, the traditional kind of meter will do just fine.
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