Spirometry question

[Emma2424]

Hi. I've only joined this forum tonight so hello everyone!

I'd like to ask a question about what people's spirometry readings tend to be please? I've not been well this week, had severe left sided chest pain and intercostal pain when breathing. GP said it was poorly controlled asthma (and I'm embarrassed to say I've been in denial about my symptoms for several years). I only had problems after pneumonia and pleurisy in 2013. I had the asthma diagnosis in 2014 I think but stopped the inhalers telling myself I didn't want to be on them forever and 'they made a mistake' about the asthma. Tut. So my symptoms have been getting scarily worse and worse. I know during my pneumonia my peak flow spirometer reading was something like 185. The best I've ever got back to is 400 (the very best). I'm usually 300+. Today (thinking I'm on the mend as I've been taking the inhalers and pain killers etc since Wednesday) my reading was 200 and this has made me very despondent and worried. I know it's probably early days but I just wondered what other people's readings were?

Thanks so much (and sorry for the long rambling post). 😊

[Jenzzie18]

Evening. This is a hard one as this is so personal to the individual as well as age and height etc you have to take into account the severity of the asthma as well as the condition of your lungs. For example just 18 months ago my best peak flow was 550 and usually over 500 daily. Then my asthma turned severe and now I am lucky to hit 300 on any day my usual is around or below 250. The best thing you can probably do for now is to keep a peak flow diary and track what is going on. There are a few good apps for this or you can download paper copies off of the asthma uk website. Xx

[Emma2424 in reply to Jenzzie18]

Thank you that's so helpful 😊X

[Snowdrop27]

Hi I agree with below post. Everyone is different because of age, height, weight formula. Mine is 500 tops and is better due to my age as I swim.

use asthma peak flow chart see asthma UK org. Measure twice a day. First thing morning before you get out of bed and then same time in the evening. Peak flow is one of the best indicator that your asthma is on the up or down.

Smack hand as my mum would say (humour no offence meant) taking your inhalers every day is a first line of keeping asthma under control. Without them you are defensive. No taking them as you realise your peak drops fast.

I would get yourself to a doctor as soon as you can. You are danger of getting seriously ill. It looks like you have had a flare up for certain. Look at asthma plan asthma UK and you can see your in the amber zone.

Why the painkillers if it's because your chest is sore then you had a possible attack. If you feel you been kicked in the chest by a mule then your muscles are complaining that they been helping your lungs to breathe.

Remember I not a doctor none of us here are we just sharing our experiences to help others.

[Emma2424]

Hi, yes, definitely feels I have been kicked by a mule. That's a great description. I'm on the case now and will definitely monitor from now on. I can't believe I've been so stupid. 🙈Thank you though, that's really helpful 😊

[Snowdrop27]

Welcome

[strongmouse]

When my peak flow has dropped I take it three times a day as I find it does vary. Having the right treatment for you does make a difference.

My worst has been 120 when I had 'flu two years ago. I had to increase my medication and have short course of steroids to bring it back under control. This summer my asthma worsened and yes reluctantly I had another short course of steroid and changed to a different inhaler. I had thought I was meeting my average peak flow for my age and height - short and age 65 yrs - at 350 ish. Now it has gone back up to between 350 and 400. Yes I had been reluctant to go to the GP until it got a lot worse!

If your asthma has been worse it can take a while to get back to a good reading. If you are still having pain when breathing check if you need to sort anything else out. I find I get pain below my ribs when I eat something I am allergic to. Antihistamines help, but avoiding 'triggers' helps even more. Extra puffs of ventolin help too.

Yes, I agree with post above don't ignore it. Make sure that you have a "Step Up and Step Down" plan in place. I found that really helpful. See Asthma Action Plan on Asthma UK website.

asthma.org.uk/advice/manage...

[Emma2424]

This is all wonderfully helpful. Thank you 😊