Peak flow

[Willow7733]

I was wondering if most of you keep track of your peak flow levels? Is it something important?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Tracking PF is a good way to monitor your condition if PF is a reliable measure for you. Often you can spot the early decline easier and so get help sooner, as well as it providing ‘evidence’ for any doctor who wants it. Not everyone tracks and records but it’s a good idea, and most of it all diaries/trackers will also track symptoms and reliever usage too. There are apps you can use on phones or you can print off paper versions from the AUK website; asthma.org.uk/86e2a328/glob...

Hope this helps

[Troilus]

I do, for the same reasons as Emma. I take it as soon as I get up,before meds. About an hour or so after and when I go to bed ( after meds.)

If my readings are not too good I might check again at sometime through the day.

I do graph them out using the asthma U.K. booklet, but this isn’t really necessary for my own purposes, but the respiratory clinic like to see a graph. I suppose this is because they are monitoring my condition, but my GP isn’t so bothered he prefers to work on symptoms as I only usually consult him when I’m not well.

It is best done around the same time of day, as it can vary naturally through the day and you need to be comparing like with like if you are tracking on a daily basis.

[Karen2020 in reply to Troilus]

I have during c19 action asthma recommended it. I think lots of asthmatics who have lived with it for many yrs just get used to not breathing well. Also the decline in breathing can be slow so you don't notice or just get on with it so noting pf you can see how it's going. Mine has dropped by 60 but no wheeze or symptoms. But I do like lots of others have hay-fever so that doesn't help readings. So personally recording it for me is good idea.

[Pipsqueak77]

Hi Willow7733

Unlike some asthmatics I don’t personally find peak flow very helpful.

Day to day I know my breathing variations from experience and I just wonder if you can become a bit obsessed with numbers ( and not symptoms!) if you are not careful.

Sometimes my peak flow can be dreadful and yet I feel fine and other times it has been good and yet I am wheezing so loudly you can hear it across the room!

In terms of healthcare professionals - my clinics always measure their own spirometry and FeNO etc.. so they don’t ask me for any readings anyway!

I just want to put out there that ‘not one size fits all’! And you will figure out the best way to monitor your asthma that suits you and your lifestyle and ideas.

Good Luck!!

😊👍

[Hidden in reply to Pipsqueak77]

Hi,

I must agree with your comments; I used to do my peak flow readings religiously and would find that they didn’t match up to my breathing.

I now work on what I feel like on the day, if my breathing is good then I am not worried about what my peak flow reading is.

If my breathing is not good then I do check the peak flow reading but have found some times my reading is very good so I find it somewhat confusing.

[Jimmy-Lyden]

Your Peak Flow reading will give you a rough idea as to how your body is performing on a day to day basis. I get around 300, if it drops to under 280 for a couple of days and I'm using my ventolin more, then I know to call my GP. One of the first things my GP will ask is about my peak flow readings. This gives them an idea as to what they're dealing with. It may need antibiotics or it may also need steroids or it may just need steroids. Either way, they'll probably want to examine you (given the Covid - 19 debacle ever goes away). Your PF readings are a starting point to check on how well you're performing. It's handy, no need to sweat it, that's how I look at it.

[watergazer]

Hi your peak flow is useful if you have an asthma plan to refer to that's been given to you by respiratory nurse or doctor. I take mine sporadically when feeling good but when a bit off I trace it throughout the day referring to my plan as to what to do if it falls below a certain level. Take care Anita x

[Hidden]

Yes keep track. It's a good indicator of how your lungs are coping/functioning. My Asthma nurse phoned me during this lockdown and the first thing I had to do was peak flow readings (over the phone) she then percribed my a new pink inhailer. Stay safe ❤️

[Willow7733 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your advice! I was contacted yesterday from my specialist on the phone (he is talking to all his patients to keep track how they are doing during our social isolation). And I was told to use a peak flow because I have been having problems for over a month now. I get control, but but it is hard to keep my lungs clear. Must be the time of year with all the pollen and dust. Anyway, good advice on this board. I appreciate it!