Someone help

[Shannon97]

I got a peak flow meter and I just keep using it because I'm worried I'm writing down results and stuff but is it normal for it to change all the time? Please tell me it's okay too,it's in the 300's

[Hidden]

Hi Shannon hope your ok I got a peak flow meter couple of months ago I was paranoid at first doing it loads of times a day I stated getting a sore throat in the end because all the blowing just try and stick to twice a day morning and evening mine is always lower of a morning but if am coming down with a cold ur my asthma is not controlled it will be lower good luck x

[Beth_19]

You can become paranoid using your peak flow monitor and actually make yourself worse.

Everyone's peak flow is unique to them and their situation, so we can't say whether or not 300's is good, plus we aren't medically trained we can only offer advice based on our own experiences.

The standard practice is to use it in the morning and at night to help you gauge what is an average level for you and only then can you say whether or not 300 is an appropriate level for you.

[risabel59]

Hi Shannon,

The peak flow meter just gives you a pattern and the numbers are unique to you. Although there are tables of averages. As everyone says, just take your reading before medicine in the morning and at night.

Also at the same time write down how you feel. Do you feel great? Have you been wheezing? do you have a cough? do you feel breathless? Did you wake up coughing or wheezing at night? How many puffs of Blue inhaler have you used? There are some great apps to help you do this.

If you do this everyday for a couple of months you will build a picture of your symptoms which can really help your doctor/ Asthma Nurse. As its really hard to remember these details weeks down the road when you finally get an appointment.

If you have a written Asthma plan, follow the instructions on what to if your peak flow drops below the levels agreed with your doctor or Asthma Nurse. Most people have a traffic light system,

Hope this helps a bit

R

[Matman]

Hi

I'm not a Medic so please make your own checks before following any advice given below.

As you no doubt know, Peak Flow is a bit like Spirometry Testing, in as much as the objective is to see how your score compares with someone of the same age, gender, height etc who does not have your condition (plus also to check whether you are improving or getting worse). You can Google 'Peak Flow Table' or 'Peak Flow Score' and check what PF is typical for a person with similar characteristics to you - but without your Medical Condition. Make sure you check on an 'official looking' website (e.g. one that ends with something like .gov - or which inspection reveals is clearly a professional health site).

As others have indicated, take and journal your PF twice a day - ideally for at least a couple of weeks (unless your Score is very low - in which case get fast advice from a GP). If you were not formally coached in how to take your PF, seek some guidance (Nurse, Youtube Video etc) to ensure you are doing it correctly, as minor errors in technique may lead to erroneous score conclusions.

Also, on a couple of occasions (just AFTER you've taken your PF) - providing you've not used your Rescue Inhaler in the previous 6 Hours - consider taking a couple of Puffs of that Inhaler, then waiting 15 minutes and re-testing your PF - but DON'T do this if you're already using your Rescue Inhaler more often than you are supposed to, or have used it within the last few hours. This Test mimics what they do with Spirometry in order to see what your current capacity for improvement is. Make a note of what your score was both before and after you retested, and let your GP know when you next visit. You may not be due a Spirometry Test for a while but 'quoting' the results of your 'similar' home Test, may help persuade your GP to bring forward your next Asthma Review to re-assess you.

If you're also on a Preventer (Steroid) Inhaler keep in mind that it takes about 6 to 8 Weeks for Steroids to reach full strength. If you've been on a Steroid Inhaler for at least 8 Weeks, you can also ask your GP about increasing your inhaled steroid dose then, after a further three weeks, see if your PF has improved with the additional inhaled steroids. However, if you are on Combo Inhaler which includes both a Steroid and LABA (or other additional drug) be aware that - along with increasing the Steroid - you will also be increasing the second drug contained in the combo inhaler, which 'might' be risky (check with your GP).

Don't rely entirely on Peak Flow. Have (and record) several other Self-Assessment Benchmarks, for example only, whether you are getting more out of breath when walking or running up your Stairs than you were previously, how well you can manage whatever walking distance is suitable for your condition (and if you are improving or less able to manage that distance). It's best to have about 4 Benchmarks to cross compare. You might also consider investing in a Finger Pulse Oximeter (which you can buy on Amazon) and which can provide you with additional self-feedback (Note while the only 'officially approved for medical use one' I could find cost about £100, the other ones - which state they are for Sports Use Only - are (in my view) still useful indicators. I bought one of the AccuRate Models on Amazon.com and paid about £30 including shipment . Finally, don't forget you can always ring the 111 Service for advice in the UK and, if they say you need an 'urgent' GP appointment, you can tell that to your GP Receptionist to help avoid a long wait time (but be aware that your GP will check the 111 Call Record).

[Shannon97]

I done my blue inhaler today and it was after 400