Smart Phone-Based Peak Expiratory Flow Meter

Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by ongoing inflammation of the airways. Common asthma symptoms include shortness of breath that worsens with activity, wheezing, and cough. The flow of exhaled air from the lungs may be restricted due to inflammation from excess mucous. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a test that measures how fast a person can exhale. This test checks lung functioning, and is often used by patients who have asthma. For the PEFR test to be useful, the patient must keep continuous records of his or her flow rate. These patterns can help individuals prevent their symptoms from worsening before a full-blown asthma attack, for example. Individuals will know when they need to adjust their environment or medication, or make an appointment with the doctor.