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Related Experiment Videos

Peak expiratory flow at altitude.

P S Thomas1, R M Harding, J S Milledge

  • 1Clinical Research Centre, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow.

Thorax
|August 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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The mini Wright peak flow meter under-reads at altitude due to air density changes. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) actually increases with altitude, necessitating corrections for accurate field study measurements.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Environmental Health
  • Medical Instrumentation

Background:

  • The mini Wright peak flow meter is a portable device used in field studies.
  • This device is sensitive to air density, leading to inaccuracies at higher altitudes.
  • True peak expiratory flow (PEF) is expected to increase at altitude due to decreased air density.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the effect of simulated altitude on peak expiratory flow (PEF).
  • To compare measurements from a mini Wright peak flow meter with a volumetric spirometer at simulated altitudes.
  • To quantify the under-reading of the mini Wright meter at altitude and propose a correction factor.

Main Methods:

  • Six subjects participated in the study.
  • Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was measured using both a mini Wright meter and a volumetric spirometer under simulated altitude conditions.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Simulated altitude was varied, affecting barometric pressure.

    • Main Results:

    • The volumetric spirometer showed a linear increase in PEF with decreasing pressure (altitude).
    • At a simulated altitude of 5455 m (380 mm Hg barometric pressure), PEF increased by 20% compared to sea level.
    • The mini Wright meter under-read PEF by 26% at this altitude, showing readings 6% below sea level values.

    Conclusions:

    • The mini Wright peak flow meter significantly under-reads peak expiratory flow at altitude.
    • Measurements from the mini Wright meter at altitude require correction.
    • A correction factor of adding 6.6% per 100 mm Hg drop in barometric pressure is recommended for PEF measurements made at altitude.