Abstract
Asthma is one of the important respiratory diseases requiring home self care usually performed by commercialized peak expiratory flow meter (PEFM). However, this simple device can measure only single parameter, PEF, due to its purely mechanical principle, significantly limiting desease management quality. The present study introduced a new expiratory flow measurement technique by miniatured air expansion chamber easily installed within PEFM. Continuous pressure signal obtained from the chamber demonstrated an accurate quadratic relationship with flow. The volume measurement error was $<{\pm}1%$ well within the American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria of 3%. Important spirometric parameters of FVC, PEF, and FEF25-75% were all accurately estimated with correlation coefficients > 0.95. The present technique obtains continuous expiratory air flow signal, making possible and convenient to perform spirometric test at home. Electronic interface capability would be also useful for remote asthma management.
