Medidor de peak-flow: Técnica de manejo y utilidad en atención primaria

Abstract

The measurement of peak expiratory flow (PEF) using portable devices, is one of the more accessible tools in general practice for testing pulmonary function in asthmatics. We define the PEF and we review the peak flowmeters' technical characteristics and their advantages and disadvantages comparing to spirometers, then we discuss the indications for using PEF measurement for diagnosis, short and long monitoring and crisis control.