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Peak flow monitoring in pediatric asthma management: a clinical practice column submission
Kimberly A Callahan1, Theresa M Panter, Tracy Michelle Hall
1North Georgia College and State University, Dahlonega, GA, USA. kimfnp@gmail.com
Insights
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring is controversial in children, but can aid asthma management for "poor perceivers" when used correctly. Proper PEF use helps monitor airway changes in pediatric asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Asthma Management
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring is a standard tool in asthma management.
- Its efficacy and application in the pediatric population remain debated, with limited research.
- PEF requires proper technique and is unsuitable for children under five or those with developmental challenges.
Observation:
- PEF monitoring's effectiveness in children is controversial.
- Published research on PEF in pediatric asthma is scarce.
- PEF is effort and technique-dependent, limiting its use in young children.
Findings:
- Despite limitations, PEF can effectively monitor airway changes in pediatric asthma.
- It is particularly beneficial for children who are "poor perceivers" of their worsening asthma symptoms.
- The review incorporates evidence-based guidelines from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
Implications:
- Properly implemented PEF monitoring can improve asthma control in specific pediatric groups.
- Further research is needed to establish definitive guidelines for PEF use in children.
- Clinicians should consider PEF as a supplementary tool for managing pediatric asthma, especially for "poor perceivers".
Abstract:
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring has long been a mainstay of asthma management, but controversy surrounds its efficacy in the pediatric population, and little published research exists on the subject. PEF is both effort and technique dependent and is not suitable for use in children under the age of 5 or with developmental disabilities. However, PEF is useful for monitoring airway changes if used properly, especially in that segment of the population labeled as "poor perceivers" of worsening symptoms. The authors review existing literature on the subject, including the newly revised National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2007). Expert panel report 3: Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma-full report 2007. Retrieved June 17, 2008, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm) evidence-based guidelines.
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