Simple respiratory tests can be used to measure lung volumes and flows, during inspiratory and forced expiratory manoeuvres. These are valuable in the detection of mechanical abnormalities associated with respiratory disorders.
The Peak Expiratory Flow Rate can indicate the presence of airflow obstruction, which may be seen in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The measurement of peak expiratory flow is effort dependent, and also relies on the lung volume at which the measurement is performed. Therefore it is important that the measurement is obtained correctly and in a technically acceptable manner. Values obtained which are not reproducible can be misleading in the diagnosis and management of respiratory patients.
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