Cough Reflex Test (CRT) Practice

Monitoring peak flow before and after treatment serves primarily to evaluate lung function changes. This process provides valuable information about how effectively the air passages are functioning, especially in conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By measuring the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), healthcare providers can observe the immediate impact of a treatment—such as a bronchodilator—on airflow. Changes in the peak flow readings before and after a therapeutic intervention can indicate whether the treatment has been effective in improving lung function.

While assessing medication adherence, planning further interventions, or establishing baseline oxygen saturation are important components of overall patient management, these specific goals do not directly relate to the immediate assessment of lung function that peak flow measurements provide. Therefore, the primary purpose of peak flow monitoring in this context is best captured by evaluating the changes in lung function.