Help for peak flow

[wozwell]

Following a bout of pneumonia and asthma I find my peak flow is under 200. It has been like this for years but now I am struggling. What can I do to boost this after the infections have gone? I am a young 73 year old lady who has brittle asthma that I thought had been under control. Also how soon should I feel better after this illness?

[strongmouse]

Hi wozwell, that sounds difficult for you. Personally being on the right medication (inhalers) made a big difference to me, but I do not have brittle asthma. I use air filters at home because I have allergies and find they help. I know some people suggest that certain types of breathing exercises can improve your peak flow as they strengthen the lung muscles. The phyios breathing excercises certainly helped me after a major operation two years ago.

You could talk to the Asthma UK helpline and see what advice they can offer.

All the best to you.

[ChrissieMons]

Ask your GP about a pulmonary rehab course. It introduces exercise gently and you learn a lot more about your condition. I found it very useful.

[Smoggy1990Boggy]

I would agree with both posts already written; give the lovely Asthma U.K. nurses a phone call and ask to be referred to pulmonary rehabilitation as well.