Peak flow readings

[Westie2012]

Hi , my gp requested 2 weeks of peak flow readings (since having a pacemaker then becoming seriously unwell with pericarditis and an effusion this time last year) I get out of breath on exertion , my cardiologist has assured me there’s nothing cardiac causing my breathlessness so gp is thinking possible asthma. She put me on a turbohaler but it hasn’t increased my peak flow readings , the highest it’s been is 450, lowest 250 . I had covid in July but wasn’t that unwell with it . I’m female , 48, and used to have no health problems . I’d be interested to know if my peak flow is average or if it should be higher . Thank you

[madonbrew]

Hi Westie, Generally a peak flow is quite an individual thing…so it’s more finding what’s your personal best and how it fluctuates from that. For example, I’m 43 and my personal best is 400 but I hardly ever get more than 330/350. When I have an asthma attack, by the time I get to 250 I’m in an ambulance.

I think the main thing is if your inhaler is making a difference…so if you do your PF before inhaler then 10 minutes after and record the two readings.

When do you have to see your Dr again?

[vk21]

Hi Westie. I’m 49 and developed Asthma about 7 years ago after a bad chest infection. My average peak flow was 160 but after changing inhalers it’s now at 220 and I feel far less breathless. I’m petite and my nurse says my lower peak flow may be related to my physical size but as I don’t know what it was pre asthma, it’s hard to know. The main thing is if your inhaler is helping. If not, maybe call your asthma nurse x

[Patk1]

Hi Westie2012Did yr dr explain u do pf 3 times,but just record the highest reading

[pickingflowers4u]

hi Westie2012.I also would like to know how my peak flow measures compare with the norm. On my best days I am 300 but drop to 250 sometimes. Hope you find your answers. I think I will be making enquiries. All the best.

[soulsaver]

Peak flow 'normal' is dependant essentially upon your gender, age, height .. and making sure you're comparing output to norms from the same type of measuring device.

So if you want a well considered comment you'll need to provide a bit more info. or have a look yourself, see here:

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/....

Come back if you're not clear.

Other than that, as a previous poster said, in an asthma context a PEF (peak expiry flow) diary/graph is used to establish whether your condition is well controlled by the meds over both short & longer term and predict/avoid acute attack.

In that respect the result is personal and not relevant to 'norms'.