Blood Tests & Screening
About this service
A peak flow test is a simple breathing assessment done in our rooms at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek that measures how fast you can exhale, giving your doctor a useful marker of how well your lungs are working. It is widely used to help monitor asthma and other breathing conditions, and can highlight whether your airways are more restricted than usual.
You breathe into a small handheld device known as a peak flow meter, and the reading is recorded and discussed with your doctor. This quick check can be done as part of a routine consultation or when investigating new breathing symptoms.
What to expect
- You blow out as hard and fast as you can into a handheld peak flow meter
- The blow is repeated up to three times and the best reading is recorded
- Your reading is compared with the expected value for your age, height and sex
- The test may be repeated after a reliever inhaler to see how your airways respond
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Known or suspected asthma
- Monitoring how well asthma treatment is working
- A tight or restricted feeling in the chest
- Routine lung function check
Frequently asked questions
What does a peak flow test show about my asthma?
It measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. A lower reading than expected for your age and height suggests your airways are narrowed, which helps your doctor judge how well your asthma is controlled.
Should I use my inhaler before a peak flow test?
Ask your doctor when you book. Sometimes the test is done before and after a reliever inhaler to see how much your airways open up.
How is a peak flow reading taken?
You take the deepest breath you can and blow out as hard and fast as possible into a handheld meter. It is usually repeated three times and the best reading is recorded.
Ready to book your peak flow lung function test?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.