Question about PEF and FEV1 level on home monitor.

[phyllis_liberty]

Hello,

My name is Phyllis...so hello everyone!

I haven't been diagnosed as of yet..but I'm worrying like crazy.

I picked up my friends microlife monitor, and did the (take a breath in and blow out hard).... test as she directed me. She has copd. I have also smoked a long time.

Now, I'm worried. I'm 57, female, 5'5" and (felt) okay, until I took this little test that measures my lung capacity. My best was 380 PEF and 215 FEV1.

Should those numbers worry me? My friend says that those are not really good numbers. She is an older lady...not so sure if she knows what would be normal for me.....so I thought I'd ask those of you who would know.

Thanks for your time.

[Billiejean_2]

Hello Phyllis, we are not doctors here, so we can't interpret numbers for you or give you a diagnosis. If you are seriously worried about your health then you should see your doctor and discuss those anxieties with her/him.

[phyllis_liberty in reply to Billiejean_2]

I'm sorry, I just thought someone could tell me if those are good numbers or bad.

Thank you anyway.

God bless.

[Billiejean_2 in reply to phyllis_liberty]

There's no need to be sorry Phyllis, you just asked a question like everyone else. It's just that for your own peace of mind and a proper answer, do please, see your doctor. You might be worrying over nothing and that would be such a shame.

[skischool]

Phyllis,Your friends monitor is actualy a glorified peakflow meter that maybe your practice nurse might use in your surgery to get a very rough idea of your lung capacity.There is no way you could accurately measure your fev levels and would strongly suggest that if you have any concerns you speak to your gp who will organise far more accurate testing and diagnosis.Using inaccurate equipment to self diagnose is not going to alleviate your concerns and nobody on this site would even begin to try and diagnose for you.However we will all do our utmost to put your mind at rest and support you on your journey.Best wishes and try not to worry

[risabel59]

Hi Phyllis, this is a question we often get asked in the Asthma UK Forum. I would make a couple of comments, One set of readings do not give you a picture. You need to regularly measure your peak flow and Fev1 to know whether they are good or bad. Secondly there is a big range in what is normal for your age. This will very much depend on how fit you are..

So for instance I have Asthma and Bronchiecstasis, but have great Lung Function when well, my best peak flow is around 580 however when I am unwell it can go down below 300, and I will need some pretty serious medications. My point is that 380 for one person could be normal and for another could be unwell.

If you are concerned about your lung function you should see a doctor. But please know that one reading really doesn't prove anything.

R x

[phyllis_liberty]

Thank you ALL for the replies. I am going to see a Dr. about my "worries" soon. I hope I can come back here and give you all good news.

I felt rather silly for asking...after the first comment. It felt rude. Anyway, thank you to all you kind folks out there who understand that anxiety can do funny things to us sometimes....lol...can make us think all kinds of things.

Better to be on the safe side and go see that Dr.

Again, thanks, and God bless!

Phyllis