Baseline figure from lung function test

[elanaoali]

After 10 days post hospital admission with pneumonia I went to have a lung function test at my local hospital. The result of the test was 438 a new baseline. My usual top peak flow is 500 (very unused as it doesn't match my height, sex and ethnicity) I should be blowing 420. One explanation was that my genes. I did a DNA test which showed I had better lung capacity than normal.

My question is this baseline figure is ... what I should my top at the moment until my lungs recover from the pneumonia?

At present I can blow 350 and 400 when I take my new inhaler

Fostair 100/6 mart regime.

I think I should be looking a lower figure for my top peak flow. I haven't been able to blow 500 for over a month. I had a cold, chest infection and then pneumonia. As the respiratory consultant said to me in hospital I been ill for along time.

[peege]

Your peak flow is amazing considering how ill you've been and very interesting about the DNA test. Keep on getting better 😃

[Homely2 Administrator]

Interesting question. My hospital Asthma nurse asks me what I have blown in the last three months and uses that for top peak flow.

My top peak flow is 672, which I can approximately do now, as long as I take my inhalers. My winter attacks take me to the low 300s, high 200s,in frequent, short, sudden, dust or spore attacks. However in the spring, early summer, my top peak flow can fall to 500 or so for a few months, as I dislike pollen.

So at what stage do you adjust your top peak flow?

Because my asthma nurse uses three months, I, when asked, stick to 672, even though in the spring this is unrealistic for me, and I spend life then wandering with a actual top peakflow from 400 to 500.

So I am thinking I should adjust my top peak flow, like you suggest.

Have you asked the asthma helpline?

[elanaoali in reply to Homely2]

Not yet they were shut yesterday

[Gareth57 in reply to Homely2]

I consider my top peak flow to be the best when I am fit and well, if I am suffering from pollen that is not my top peak flow, that is is below top as I'm not well!

[_Badger_ in reply to Gareth57]

I also use my fit and well score. Mine is worst in Winter and if I used my highest score for that I'd end up in serious trouble before getting help.

I hate that some places still look at predicted. My predicted puts me well in my amber zone and once when seeking help I was told my numbers were fine because I was predicted something like 430! My amber zone starts at 450!

[Gareth57 in reply to _Badger_]

Have you discussed a bit of something extra to keep you peak flow consistent throughout the year, I had a stronger inhaler for my bad months (until the practice pharmacist took the weaker one off repeat 🤷🏻‍♂️) now I have to juggle doses which is easier than arguing with the practice.

[_Badger_ in reply to Gareth57]

Sadly I'm at the top of what they can give me. Waiting on an urgent respiratory referral.

[Patk1]

I'd not focus on it too much.itll likely improve,as u do.