Vital signs

Peak Expiratory Flow

For education. Check every result.

Anatium is a study resource, not medical advice. Nothing here is a diagnosis, a prescription or a substitute for a clinician who has seen the patient. Check every number against a current local protocol before it touches anyone, and never act on a result you cannot reproduce yourself.

Reference range

Range

80 to 100 % predicted

About

The fastest speed of a forced breath out, used to grade and track airway obstruction. Compare against the patient's OWN best, not just a predicted value.

When it is low

Under 50% predicted marks a severe asthma exacerbation; under 33% is life-threatening and needs immediate treatment

When it is high

At or near predicted - well controlled

How it is measured

Compare against the patient own best where known, since predicted values vary widely. A normalising PEF in an exhausted patient can be a false reassurance.

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