Peak Flow reading too high?

[JojoZebra]

I'm currently being tested for asthma as I've been coughing for 3 months straight and having problems with breath in the cold.

I've been told to use a peak flow meter twice a day, the reading I got was around 550 in the doctors and this is around my expected value.

However, since getting a Medi Standard Range peak flow meter any time I use it I get over 600, over 700 or sometimes up to 800 L/min.

I have even got a replacement Medi peak flow meter and this one is the same, why would this be happening and should I get a different kind?

[Troilus]

We’re you given any inhalers Jojo? This would account for the rise if you have

[JojoZebra in reply to Troilus]

I was given one, but haven't used it, I believe they used a different brand of peak flow meter in the doctors but theoretically they should read around the same

[Troilus in reply to JojoZebra]

Can’t be that then😁Maybe your peak flow was lower at the doctors because you had been out in the cold.

However, what ever the reason doesn’t really matter. The purpose of recording your peak flow is to look for variation and the degree of variation.

On your original question about your peak flow being too high- your GP was working from predicted values using your height and age. People can have values higher than the predicted value or lower.

Over time you will get to know what is your normal range.

[Gardeninguy]

I have been using a Medi peak flow meter for a few years now and have discovered some time ago that it reads 50-75 higher than the one I got given me at the Health centre . This is a Clement Clark international one which I think many medical centres use —- suggest you get one from your doctor and start using it instead of the Medi one . At least then you will both be comparing like for like .