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Asthma/SPIROFLOW

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Expert: - 12/10/2008


Question
Hello,
A friend has given me a portable device called spiroflow.
you are supposed to exhale and it has two scales. the first one with a range of 60-700 and the second with a range 50 to 350. I suppose the first meaures the peak flow. What about the second one? Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Apostolos,

The Spiroflow is a peak flow meter, a tool to help determine impairment of lung function. It is an aid in guiding therapy, and assessing how well your breathing is. As your lungs become more inflamed, the airways narrow, and the peak flow numbers fall.

There are two models: the pediatric unit has a scale of 50-3550, and the adult unit is 60-700.

If you go to this link ( www.spirometrics.com/pdf/Spiro_Adult_Manual.pdf ) it will take you to the manufacturers instruction information.

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

Marc

Asthma

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Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)

Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

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