At home peak flow meters provide a simple way for patients to monitor their respiratory status. This article will discuss the advantages of using a cellular-connected at home peak flow meter for chronic lung disease management. We will explore why the ease of use of peak flow meters makes them an accessible option for respiratory monitoring, especially for senior patients.
The article highlights how remote patient monitoring (RPM) peak flow meters promote better adherence to measurement regimens and reliable data collection. Finally, we will examine how patient empowerment is enabled by at home peak flow meter monitoring, which can drive better health outcomes across diverse patient populations through prompt treatment adjustments under physician guidance.
Chronic Lung Conditions
Chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), impact millions of Americans. Asthma affects over 27 million people in the U.S. It causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways. COPD obstructs airflow from the lungs, and about 12.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD.
The impact of uncontrolled asthma is substantial – asthma accounts for over 1.8 million emergency department visits, nearly 439,000 hospitalizations, and around $56 billion in healthcare costs annually in the U.S. While asthma and COPD are not curable, treatments and remote monitoring technology, including an at home peak flow meter can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Preventing an Asthma Attack
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends that following an individualized asthma treatment plan is crucial for preventing attacks and living well with asthma. This includes avoiding or limiting exposure to asthma triggers. For example, if pollen triggers asthma, consider staying indoors when pollen counts are high.
Additionally, taking maintenance controller medicines, like inhaled corticosteroids, daily as prescribed, even when feeling well, is important. Doing so helps control underlying inflammation. Finally, have fast-acting rescue bronchodilators on hand to relieve acute symptoms using proper inhaler technique. Using them at the first signs of worsening wheezing, chest tightness, or cough can stop progressive attacks.
With consistent adherence to medical therapy and appropriate environmental controls tailored to your sensitivities, asthma does not have to limit activities you enjoy. Many professional athletes, from Olympic swimmers to NBA stars, have demonstrated this by excelling in intense sports with proper asthma management under physician care. Like them, patients can gain control over asthma by partnering closely with their physicians and following individualized self-care recommendations. This helps enable participation in work, hobbies, and sports for improved health outcomes.
Managing Asthma and COPD with an At Home Peak Flow Meter
Asthma remote patient monitoring allows patients with asthma to use an at home peak flow meter to better track and manage their condition. Additionally, RPM solutions enable COPD patients to track their symptoms and lung function from home. A remote peak expiratory flow meter (PFM) is vital in helping patients effectively manage their COPD and asthma.
Remote peak flow monitoring measures a person’s maximum airflow out of the lungs. Higher peak flow values generally mean better lung function. Tracking peak flow readings at home with a peak flow meter over time helps identify early worsening of asthma before severe attacks occur. This allows patients to adjust medications promptly under guidance from their healthcare providers.
Digital inhalers and at home peak flow meter devices make it easier for physicians to know if patients are correctly using maintenance controller inhalers like corticosteroids. Some connected devices can track medication usage and lung function. This facilitates proactive asthma management through early interventions when needed instead of only during office visits.
Why Spirometers May Be Difficult for Certain Populations
A recent study analyzed data from over 6,000 adults to determine the best peak expiratory flow (PEF) interpretation strategy to predict impaired lung function when spirometry is unavailable. The researchers found that PEF as a percent of the predicted normal value was optimal as it had high predictive ability and was mathematically simple.
While spirometers can help measure lung function, these complex devices can prove challenging for regular home monitoring, especially among senior patients. The technical process of spirometry testing can lead to improper technique, inaccurate readings, and frustration that discourages daily use.
In contrast, an at home peak flow meter provides a simple, more accessible option for respiratory tracking. Cellular-connected peak flow meters require just a single forceful breath and are accessible for all ages. This simplicity promotes better adherence to daily measurement regimens compared to spirometers.
As a result, an at home peak flow meter reliably gathers data and automatically sends it to a physician in real-time. This enables better respiratory health management between doctor visits without the complications imposed by more complicated devices. By empowering patients with easy-to-use, reliable tools for self-monitoring, remote peak flow meters promise to drive better health outcomes across patient populations.
Understanding At Home Peak Flow Meter Monitoring
At home peak flow monitoring with simple, cellular-connected devices provides an accessible way for diverse patient groups to track respiratory status easily. Remote peak flow meters can drive timely interventions by promoting patient empowerment through self-measurement and prompt data sharing with providers. This approach facilitates more proactive chronic respiratory disease management to prevent acute attacks and hospitalizations.
With further innovation and adoption, remote peak flow monitoring promises to meaningfully improve outcomes for the millions impacted by uncontrolled asthma and COPD at home. By shifting the care paradigm towards patient-centered digital health in both primary care and advanced care at home, we can revolutionize ambulatory care for chronic lung disease.
Tenovi: A Better RPM Experience
Visit Tenovi’s Telehealth News Weekly blog article for additional research about the benefits of asthma remote monitoring. Schedule your free demo with Tenovi, and get ready to meet a better RPM experience.
