Does peak flow increase in non asthmatics following ventolin?

[Blueforest23]

Say someone has no classic symptoms of asthma (wheezing, breathlessness or coughing). Peak flow has always been low their whole life but has a small variation everyday (290- 330). Spirometry is normal (including above average fev1). No change in peak flow following a 5 week steroid inhaler trial. Can exercise normally with no decrease in peak flow, in fact peak flow increases slightly

However after just 2 puffs of a salbutamol inhaler they noticed their peak flow increased from 300 to 340.

Would this warrant a diagnosis and treatment?

[Homely2 Administrator]

If the person is not breathless, why would they think they had asthma and want to be diagnosed with it.

[Blueforest23 in reply to Homely2]

They might think they have asthma if they are experiencing non specific symptoms like breathing deeper than usual, sensations of lack of air despite normal Resp rate etc. Basically they might seek assessment to distinguish between anxiety/psychosomatic symptoms and a true cause.

[Mandevilla]

My GP told me that a noticeable increase in peak flow following Ventolin use was a good indicator of asthma, but I'm not sure how much a jump has to be to be 'noticeable'. I went from 370 to 520 the first time I used it. Maybe the Asthma UK helpline could advise?

[Bingo88]

Good morning Blueforest23. I think you need to either ask more questions to understand more about your concerns or more investigation. Hope you get things sorted out. Brian

[daleboy3]

I have had asthma since 1963 & in my own personal experience Ventolin dialates the bronchial tubes that’s why it’s a muscle relaxant rendering the lungs to expand & increase oxygen levels by at least one third, years ago I ran a 10 k run & took ventolin with me & at the 5 k mark lungs were short of oxygen two shots of ventolin saw me to the finish line

You must however use Ventolin 2nd place to the steroid/ventolin mixture I use Seratide it’s a pink spray two shots in the morning

Then carry a ventolin for emergencies only as to much ventolin is bad for the lungs long term ok

[12optima34]

Yes.

[76RL]

I only use Ventolin as an emergency prop if my asthma starts running riot. I take a daily dry steroid inhaler which keeps the main symptoms at bay, but there are occasions bought on by air changes or excessive exercise when the Ventolin is very useful. It does the job of opening up the air ways very quickly, but a note of caution it should not become a habit, should your symptoms persist then further investigation would be advisable.Hope this helps.

[Blueforest23]

Thanks for all your replies

I have had some odd symptoms for months now though they don’t fit the picture of asthma. At one point my gp thought it was acid reflux (as I experienced tingling at the base of my neck, throat fullness) but I saw a gastro consultant who said there was no reflux on the barium swallow and that my symptoms were non specific. As they followed a period of anxiety he said he wasn’t concerned. One of the symptoms though is a feeling that I can’t catch my breath/that I’m not taking enough air in, even though in breathing normally. To me, it does seem with correlate to my ‘ruflux’ like throat symptoms. For example I have had the throat symptoms today and also the short of breath feeling, my resp rate is normal but I am taking slightly bigger breaths than usual. It’s a bit like a winded feeling- have you ever been hit in the stomach by a football? It’s kind of like this but to a lesser extent and the sensation is more in my throat area. I have just walked upstairs and my HR had increased as expected but also the sensation increased

I hate describing it to people as I know I sound crazy hah but it’s how it is and the sensation triggers anxiety

I am keeping my eye on peak flow so I can continue to rule out asthma