Asthma - Stethoscope, Peak Flow meter and Oximeter

[ageneral]

A wheeze is a whistling sound heard due to constriction of respiratory airways during breathing. Wheezing is commonly experienced by people with asthma.

To proactively manage Asthma attack one can use tools to proactively monitor lungs health
1. Stethoscope (AG Store)
2. Peak Flow (AG Store)
3. Pulse Oximeter (AG Store)

Please take your doctor's advice as to whether you require these tools since some of them require a prescription.

1. Stethoscope - It is important to learn to recognize wheezing sound (sample is at the end of the page) through a Stethoscope so that medical attention is given on a timely manner.

2. Peak Flow Meter - A peak flow meter is a portable, inexpensive, hand-held device used to measure how air flows from your lungs in one "fast blast." In summary, the meter measures your ability to push air out of your lungs.

3. Pulse Oximeter - It is a device that measure the oxygen saturation in a person's blood. They are used by people with COPD, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. High oxygenation equates to bright red blood; low oxygenation equatest to dark red blood. The oximeter shines infrared light through the fingertip (or earlobe) to determine the color of the blood and the oxygen saturation level. A normal oxygen level range is between 96% and 100%. Anything below 90% could be life threatening. However, if regular oxygen level is 95% then 90% might be acceptable yet require constant monitoring.
Oximeters also provide pulse rate. The pulse measure helps in monitoring the heart rate esp. after giving Albuterol. Albuterol increases the heart rate and heart rate needs to be properly managed after before and after giving Albuterol.

The above three provide a hint to the health of the lungs and helps prevent emergency situations due to proactive action that can be taken from the reading of the above tools.