Utility of peak expiratory flow meters for the diagnosis of asthma severity

Section: Revisiones

How to quote

Subirana Ferrés C. La utilidad de los medidores de flujo espiratorio máximo en el diagnóstico de la gravedad del asma. Metas Enferm dic 2018/ene 2019; 21(10):57-65.

Authors

Cristina Subirana Ferrés

Position

Enfermera. Servicio de Enfermedades respiratorias, infecciosas y medicina interna (AMRIMI). Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge. Barcelona

Contact address

Cristina Subirana Ferrés. Servicio de Enfermedades respiratorias, infecciosas y medicina interna (AMRIMI). Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge. C/ Fei

Contact email: csubirana@bellvitgehospital.cat

Abstract

Objective: to review the evidence available about the utility of peak expiratory flow (PEF) meters for the diagnosis of asthma severity.
Methods: a narrative review was conducted on the articles published in the Pubmed, CINHAL, and Cochrane Library Plus databases, with the following free search terms: “asthma” (“asma”), “peak expiratory flow (PEF)” (“flujo espiratorio máximo (FEM)”) and “education” (“educación”), limited to English or Spanish, on a >18-year-old population, and published during the past 10 years (2008-2018).
Results: the search led to finding 49 articles (37 in Pubmed, 1 in Cinhal, 11 in Cochrane Library); 19 articles were selected. The use of peak expiratory flow is an objective way to measure and evaluate the level of airflow obstruction in a situation of asthma exacerbation. Based on the Spanish Guidelines for Asthma Management, the well-known plans for patient action started to be prepared and implemented, because it is relatively simple and easy for nurses to obtain patient collaboration in their everyday use.
Conclusion: peak expiratory flow meters are useful in the diagnosis of asthma severity. Nurses play a very important role in order to obtain patient ability to control their disease adequately, and to use correctly the devices for measuring their peak expiratory flow.

Keywords:

asthma; expiration; expiratory flow; health education; nursing; nursing

Versión en Español

Título:

La utilidad de los medidores de flujo espiratorio máximo en el diagnóstico de la gravedad del asma