Hi peeps
Just wondering how important it is to keep track of your peak flow? I check it when my chest is tight and I’m struggling but apart from that I don’t really bother...
Is it worth checking it regularly? I tend not to really worry about these things as I don’t feel things are that bad... but I’ve seen people talking about it on other groups.
I must admit I rarely check my peak flow preferring to check my oxygen and heart rate levels instead, which I do every morning and when I feel breathless.
I usually check about once a check.but that's me. Think when my peak flow comes out well I feel good same when I check my sats.
I'm.tbe same as you when I'm feeling ok I don't do it ...if i have a crappy day then I do it ..as I know my good peak flow if it drops low I only then get concerned x
I was told by a resp specialist that PF is out of fashion because "people can cheat". This is true - I've seen it!! But personally, I find to monitor my PF honestly, when I'm particularly breathless, can be very useful. For example late last year I felt very poorly, but my O2 level was 95 - good for me. Yet when I checked my PF, instead of 400 - 450 (I try to do as much exercise as I can) it was 150!! I was taken straight into hospital, was there 3 weeks and had 3 bronchoscopies (apparently I now have a "frequent flyer" card !!) to clear "concrete like mucus" from my right lung. For those of you old enough to remember ancient cars - I call it "having a de-coke"!! So honest use of a PF can be invaluable. Be sure to take your base measurement when you are feeling particularly well.
How would you cheat doing PF unless for some reason you wanted it to be lower than it actually is so would not blow as hard?
That's exactly what hypochondriacs and attention seekers do. Saw it myself with patient in next bed. Nurses left her to do her own PF and she just puffed into it. No 'blow' about it! Rather sad really.
My best peak flow is around 360 but I rarely manage that. Usually I'm around 240 to 260, which surprises people when they hear me sing. It's what you do with what you've got that counts, for me. I only check it now if I'm struggling to breathe for some reason, and compare with sats, heart rate and blood pressure.
I keep meaning to get a peak flow chart printed off to record my PF daily for a while. I used to do this when first diagnosed with asthma and was always asked for it in asthma reviews. In more recent years, I just get asked 'how is your peak flow?' Once when my husband had to call the ambulance, I was asked about it and the chart proved invaluable for the person examining me as he could immediately compare what was happening then to my average norm.
I've become very lazy about doing it. If I'm 'puffy' I do it. Interestingly, on those days when I feel short of breath, my PF is higher than usual ie 200 or even, on rare occasions, 210. Through the winter when I wasn't so much puffy as breathless on exertion it was usually 180 and occasionally 190. These figures were helpful to the asthma nurse when I saw her.
I feel as though I should start regular recording again to see what the pattern is. Your post has reminded me to do it and, as I'm now at the computer, I'll download a chart and print it off!
xx Moy
Like others here I think it's a good idea to know your 'good normal'. Then if you feel your breathing is bad, or you think you might have a chest infection, check the PF again. I've done this and sometimes am surprised to find it is normal. Always makes me feel better!
Of course PF does vary during the day and how soon after your inhalers you do it.
Hi Chatterbox I take my peak flow and oxygen levels to check when I could be heading for an infection when both drop I generally know and on how I am feeling that I am heading for one. I was told to do this by my Asthma Nurse and it works for me. I input it in an app on my phone which reminds me when to take my medication, it also has a diary and measurements which checks peak flow, pulse and oxygen saturation and much more. No harm in being forewarned. I do think it depends on your lung problem and how severe you are but it works for me.
My daughter was told that taking PF regularly (for 5 year old asthmatic, now 9). That its helpful to monitor as a downturn in PF is an indication of an infection brewing. Shes always remembered this so keeps aware. I have no idea if this relates to adults, youd need to check with an expert. P
It is good to know what your "normal" PF is versus when you feel poorly, but some people (I am one) find that their PF doesn't fluctuate that much when they are feeling poorly. I remember going to A&E a few years ago with an asthma attack and blowing quite a good PF (550) to be told by the triage nurse "hmm well it can't be your asthma then". Grrr!
I have never been advised to check my pf or keep a record. I have very severe copd.(Bronchiectasis, asthma and emphysema) Have been in an induced coma on a ventilator. The dr. rarely tests me as it just makes me cough really badly.
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