Tips on teaching a child to use peak flow meter?

[WilfShelf]

We need to start taking readings but I'm not sure if my 6yo is just horrifically out of breath or just not using it properly.

I keep trying to explain how to use it but I'm not sure he gets it. Any ideas about forms of words or ideas (I've been taking about blowing a big balloon away as quickly as possible) that work for you?

[WilfShelf]

Thank you. He had a reading of barely 100 early evening (and out of breath). He has not had his brown puffer for a while because the asthma nurse was not sure if he really was asthmatic. But gave us this to try.

This was the first time we've used it. I was horrified at the low reading (for his height, it should be more like an average of 170-200)

Had a couple of puffs of Ventolin, then before bed managed nearer 200.

Now. I have NO idea if this was poor technique early on or the Ventolin. I guess we now just have to persevere and monitor it over a number of weeks, presumably taking readings before his treatment. Presumably now he's got it up to 200 he does at least know what he's supposed to do. He couldn't replicate it straight after though so suspect technique is going to be an issue. Hmm. Back to the asthma nurse methinks.

[Horton]

Is he or was he fond of the three little pigs at all? I'll huff and I'll puff etc. Because huffing is exactly what you have to do. It's not blowing as such and it is a technique and once you've got it you won't forget it. It's very hard to explain, though. My sympathies.

[WilfShelf]

Ah, good idea: yes, huffing is IT exactly...