My peak flow is usually 800. It has dropped the last few days to 720 do I need to panic? Thanks

[Lee_vee11]

My peak flow is usually 800. It has dropped the last few days to 720 do I need to panic? Thanks

[Darceydoo]

That’s a really good P F! How’re you feeling in yourself I’d keep a diary if you’re at all worried though. Maybe you could possibly have a mucus plug.

[Hidden]

You’ll probably get lots of posts from people competing for the lowest pf. But it’s personal to you, so no one else’s is relevant.

What does your asthma plan say?

I wouldn’t bother at all til it’s 20% under your “normal”. If that happens & it doesn’t pick up, just contact your gp to discuss. Lots of things can affect your pf. Keep a diary like Darceydoo suggests, but definitely no need to panic.

[Poobah]

I totally agree with Hanne62. If your usual best is 800 then seek advice and/or treatment from your doctor or asthma nurse if it falls to 640 or if you feel unwell or start getting asthma symptoms. 20% is the usual margin at which you take action, usually following a pre-prepared asthma plan. In the absence of a plan contact you GP surgery highlighting an increase in asthma symptoms (this should secure you a same day telephone appointment).

[Mandevilla in reply to Poobah]

I had to wait a week for a telephone appointment when my peak flow dropped well into my 'amber' range so don't assume if you drop below 80% you will get same day response.

[Poobah in reply to Mandevilla]

Asthma difficulties should secure a same day appointment (stress the word should). I've never had to wait in these circumstances. Asthma UK have advice on the subject: asthma.org.uk/advice/nhs-ca...

[Mandevilla in reply to Poobah]

My surgery is pretty hopeless. I was told if I couldn't wait a week, I could go to A&E...

[Poobah in reply to Mandevilla]

I moan about my surgery at times, but I shouldn't as they're good when it comes to asthma. Next time you see your GP you could ask them about their on the same day appointments for urgent asthma care that doesn't require hospital treatment. They may be willing to note your records so the the receptionist knows not to fob you off. My friend ended up making a formal complaint to her GP surgery and now she gets v good service.

Alternatively, the 111 service will decide if you need to see a GP and how urgently, so when you phone the GP surgery they are going to act on the recommendations of the 111 service if a same day appointment is deemed necessary.

[Yetti1]

All good sounding advice - PF 800 is huge as an absolute comparison, but also look to your own records and what has occurred in the past - sure you keep them! Again, depends how you feel, what the trend is, fit it into a complete picture ... and compare with your 'plan' - My experience from long term ICU professional tells me that is a great figure!

[hilary39]

Have you checked a peak flow chart for reference? As Hanne62 said, you only need to worry when it drops below certain values, e.g. 20%. Do you have an asthma action plan with your GP? You can calculate your yellow and red zones based on your peak flow readings with your doctor-

The template for the NHS asthma action plan is here: asthma.org.uk/globalassets/...

And a sample chart of peak flow values by height and weight is here: asthma.partners.org/newfile...

Hope this helps!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to hilary39]

It seems Lee_vee is already well above the predicted values with their personal best, so probably won't find the reference ranges for average values by height/gender/age helpful at this point - they're just a starting point if you don't know your personal best.

However, I agree with others that the current reading is still well within their personal green zone, as it's 90% of personal best so hasn't dropped 20% - and no mention of symptoms or any concerning features. An action plan may be helpful as you mention Hilary, with personalised PF zones - should also have symptoms on it.

As others have said Lee_vee, the peak flow should be viewed in context of how you feel and your past patterns. You may find this post on peak flow helpful: healthunlocked.com/asthmauk...

[hilary39 in reply to Lysistrata]

Yes, good point. I was realizing I didn't even see 800 on the chart!

[76RL]

How I wish I could reach such dizzy heights of 720! But as has been mentioned before if you have a concern maybe holding back for a few days so that you get a more accurate reading over a period, before reaching for the phone. It may just be a limited dip sometimes caused by a change in air pressure due to weather changes and general air quality. Keep safe and well.

[Superzob]

Considering that's almost off the scale, I would say a resounding "Don't panic"