Role of peak expiratory flow in the assessment and management of asthma in children.
- Author:
Yong FENG
1
;
Yun-Xiao SHANG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
- Publication Type:Review
- MeSH:
Asthma/therapy*;
Child;
Humans;
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate;
Respiratory Function Tests
- From:
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics
2021;23(6):645-649
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a portable, reliable, and inexpensive method for lung function assessment. PEF can reflect expiratory airflow limitation and its variability can document reversibility, which provides an objective basis for the diagnosis of asthma in children. Short-term PEF monitoring can be an important aid in the management of acute asthma exacerbations, identification of possible triggers, and assessment of response to treatment. Long-term PEF monitoring can assist in the assessment of asthma control and warning of acute exacerbations, and this is useful for children with severe asthma. This article reviews the measurements, influencing factors, interpretation, and application of PEF, and its role in the diagnosis and management of asthma in children, to provide references for the clinical application of PEF in children.
