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Expected peak expiratory flow

Expected peak expiratory flow
Sex
Age
years
Height
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Providing a predicted-normal reference to interpret a patient's measured peak flow (e.g. in asthma).

Formula

Nunn & Gregg (EN13826 scale), height in cm, age in years. Men: PEF = exp(0.544 x ln(age) - 0.0151 x age - 74.7/height + 5.48). Women: PEF = exp(0.376 x ln(age) - 0.0121 x age - 58.8/height + 5.63).

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Validated for ages 15-85; percent-predicted and personal best are more useful than a single reading.

References

  1. Nunn AJ, Gregg I. BMJ. 1989;298(6680):1068-70.