Peak Flow Down After Chest Infection

[munchiethemon]

This past week I've had a chest infection. I got antibiotics and am feeling a lot better, but my peak flow is still down. I normally have a PF of 410ish. I've been between 270-320 all week. I was taking my reliever as instructed before I went to the doctors, and when I went they changed my asthma plan. However, I'm still low. Should I try and wait it out and see if it improves or go back to the doctors. I'm scared that if I can't get my PF up, I'm going to have a bad attack at some point in the near future. What would people recommend?

[Chip_y2kuk]

It's not uncommon for your lungs to take time to heal from a chest infection; ive had a peak flow that was lower after an infection from anything for a week to 3 months.

As long as you feel "better" your peak flow should start to rise, but it will take time.... a doctor once told me "your lungs take a long time to heal because they can never stop" ... makes sense really, your liver, kidneys heart all get "time off at some point, normally of a night while your sleeping" ... but your lungs pretty much carry on indefinitely.

[Patk1]

I'd give it time

[Birthday60]

it can take months to recover - I always slow 6-8 weeks for a bad cold and up to 3 months for an attack. After a period of total rest I make a get back to fitness plan with gently walking and cardio exercises at the gym.

[ChrissieMons]

Don't get fixated on the peak flow. It's helpful in diagnosis, but it's not the only indicator and worrying about it will make matters worse. See how you feel in a week or so and base it on that, not just PF.