Asthma, hayfever and peak flow monitoring

[Freshairlove]

I have just been diagnosed with asthma and given a blue inhaler (1-2 puffs up to 4 times a day as needed) and a peak flow monitor to track peak flow throughout the day.

The morning measurements are much lower than midday and afternoon measurements. I take the blue inhaler when needed, normally in the morning after the lower reading.

Is it normal for the morning readings to be lower than subsequent readings, and would the blue inhaler cause the increase for the rest of the daily readings? It's great that the inhaler works, I was wondering how long the reliever inhaler works for and whether it would also affect the other readings during the day?

[twinkly29]

Asthmatics often have a variation in peak flow, think it's common for morning readings to be lower.

[Hidden]

If your technique is good then a single puff will often last for 4 hours.

If you are quite short of breath then the 2nd puff might be needed and again can last for 4 hours but if you are having a bad asthma attack then it will be significantly reduced.

It is normal for your peak flow to fluctuate.

You should not be using the blue inhaler regularly but this is ok & often used initially to see if it gives relief, which is an indicator you definitely have asthma.

Your GP should give you a review quite soon and if they decide you have asthma then you should be given a preventer inhaler (brown) to take once or twice a day and the blue inhaler should be used when your symptoms become worse.

If you are not booked in to see your GP make an appointment because as I said already you should not be using a blue inhaler regularly over a long period.

[Superzob]

I suspect the reason for your low reading in the morning is that the effect of the blue inhaler has worn off overnight. As SimpleSimon says, the blue inhaler is not designed to control asthma on a regular basis (preventer); it is more for use as a reliever. I wonder whether the diagnosis has been done without reversible spirometry and the doctor is just trying out the effect of the blue inhaler (which is very safe) before recommending a preventer for long-term use; or, better still, sending you for spirometry and a consultant appointment?

[Freshairlove]

Thanks twinkly29, SimpleSimon and Superzob, that explains it.

The doc said to do a peak flow diary and come back in 2-3 weeks, so I'll make sure to keep that up, along with the blue inhaler as needed and see what happens at the next appointment