Peak Flow

[Bandittabby]

Hi All, I've just discovered that my peak flow is 250. Do I need to be alarmed or is this quite normal with COPD?

[Nottobad]

Peak flow meters are usually used by people with asthma. Not for COPD. I have asthma as well as COPD and l usually blow 250. But I am not concerned about it. With COPD it’s your oxygen level that matters. Mine is usually 96 and goes below that if I have an infection.

[Bandittabby in reply to Nottobad]

Thanks for the response, my oxygen saturation sits between 90 and 93, so not that good I guess.

[Nottobad in reply to Bandittabby]

If you are not happy with your PF reading I would speak to your doctor about it.. we are not medically trained.

[hypercat54 in reply to Bandittabby]

Your oxygen levels are OK and nothing to worry about. Its only if they regularly go down to late 80's or below and stay there for quite a while that there could be a problem x

[Bandittabby in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks that's good to know.

[wheezyof]

When I was first diagnosed with bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis obliterans I was given a peak flow chart to keep. Then I was told to remember 'my norm' and use the peak flow reading as part of the diagnosis of a flare up.

So my norm is 220/240. On a day that I feel rough I check peak flow, oxygen level (norm 93/4) colour and thickness of mucus how much chest pain etc. If all are worse than usual then I worry.

[Skatergirl1]

Hi, my peak flow is 150 on a good day, but I feel fine and can do most things without getting breathless x

[Ergendl]

My peak flow ranges between 240 and 360, with emphysema and mild asthma. People are always surprised when I tell them as I can sing quite powerfully. It's not the readings so much as what your body can do with them.

[Offcut]

Use the peak flow as a benchmark if it goes very low good chance something adrift somewhere and needs looking at. I blow 350/450 but with RLD as one of my many ailments it will show 10% or more than people without?