Asthma

Peak flow 700 and keep taking blue inhaler but still feel breathless any suggestions

[peege]

700!!!1. Are you taking your preventer inhaler properly? Check the makers website for video demonstration

2. If you're taking ventolin more than 10 times daily you need to speak to your respiratory team about.

3. Ventolin: you need to wait 30 seconds between sprays otherwise you only get the propellant.

4. Have you tried the pursed lip breathing? It most definitely helps with being short of breath- and anxiety

[Troilus]

Hi Colby. I think it has something to do with the weather. I’ve been feeling a bit breathless - peak flow hasn’t changed much, but my fev 1 has dropped quite a lot, which might explain it. I’m suspecting inflammation or some mucus hiding somewhere - not that I have a cough or anything.I’ve increased meds as indicated in my action plan and if I’m not picking up soon I’ll be seeking further advice. I suggest you do the same 😁

[knitter]

Just wondering how many puffs of Ventolin you are taking a day ? Does your peak flow go down after a while when the Ventolin wears off ?

Can you ring 111 for advice today .

[Hidden in reply to knitter]

I have a about ten puffs a day but it doesn't make any difference

[O2Trees in reply to Hidden]

Then I would suggest you speak to your GP about a medicine review. I think for most of us, if we take that much ventolin and it is thought better to have a preventative inhaler with a bit of steroid in it which reduces inflammation. It takes a few days to build up in your body and become effective.

But I am not medically trained and if this is just caused by this hot weather, or indeed something else, then another solution might be suggested. Good luck.

[SORRELHIPPO]

I am always more breathless in this hot weather, I also get swollen ankles, so with me it is part of fluid retention, leaving less space to inhale in my abdominal cavity. However my lack of this space to start with is specific to my intestinal problems (they take up space where they should not). So I suggest you do as knitter has, ring 111.

[teenieleek]

If my peak flow went over 200 I’d be hanging out the flags and I don’t feel particularly breathless!

[Hidden in reply to teenieleek]

To be honest I don't think the peak flow means alot obviously as I can blow 700 but still feel awful

[katieoxo60 in reply to teenieleek]

I think the peak flow is just your personal guide line to what is norm for you teenieleek. my peak flow is rarely above 250 , when I have an infection it drops to 200. In my case the cough is the best guideline as it gets really bad when lungs are inflammed. But high peak flow does not mean we are well either , how confusing. Its just a way of knowing maybe something is wrong for you if it drops below your norm.

[Nula2 in reply to teenieleek]

Hi Teenieleek, I'm the same, I can reach 200 on a good day!

[Patk1]

Do u do any exercise? Also do u smoke at all? On aluk website there r great tips on controlled breathing with pursed lips x

[Hidden in reply to Patk1]

I haven't smoked for 6 years I smoked from 16 to I was 2, and my exercise is work as I'm a window cleaner aha, okay thankyou for yhe advise

[Patk1 in reply to Hidden]

Good.Ull get plenty of exercise then!

Its really worth practising whn yr ok,so its easier to slip into whn you need it

[Hidden]

Keep gasping for air

[O2Trees in reply to Hidden]

Could this be anxiety-related? So easy to feel anxious when struggling for breath as its so horrid. Sorry if this has been discussed above.

[Egpa]

Hi, are you using the blue Ventolin evlhaler or a cheap sabutamal. I find the cheaper ones don't help at all however much I take.

[Ava09 in reply to Egpa]

I asked two different pharmacists the difference between Ventolin and Sabutamal and both said they have the same ingredients just a different brand name !

[Egpa in reply to Ava09]

My consultant says no, the compound mix is different. He Told my Gp to only give me ventolin. I ended up with a very bad chest infection and was unwell fir a month, coz it did not work on me. I have bronciactsis and Asthma. Good luck.

[Millyboo710]

700? Blimey. I’ve never managed that. When I just had asthma, 480 was usual. With all my problems nowadays, I am thrilled if I get to 320. Talk to your asthma nurse.

[MoyB]

Could your breathlessness be due to something else? How about seeing your GP for a checkup as other things can cause it eg anaemia. You may just need something to get your system back into balance. Xx Moy

[Alberta56]

Same medication, but a different propellant. Several of us on this site have noticed that Salamol does not do the job. I asked my doctor to change me back to Ventolin and he did. Suggest you have a word with your GP.

[Lizzab]

See the asthma nurse. You need to have a complete review of your medication and their usage. Start there.

I'm glad you've realised a big puff isn't a relevant marker of your health.

[Dizzart]

It’s hot the air pollution is high the pollen count high so I’d say the air is bad and the best you can do is wear a thin mask to go out. Even here in the country side near the sea some people are still wearing a mask not for covid but just to breathe easy outside. I put a thin cowl round my neck and pull it up over my nose etc if I’m near stinky diesel or corn cutting and even just bad pollen off other regions etc 👍🏻

[Dizzart]

PS do you take high dose antihistamines prescription only as shop bought is weaker. Many nurses and docs have no idea of how much air borne pollutants effect breathing and how badly for those with sensitive lungs. Good luck , oh and drink lots of cold water it does help lungs do need liquid 💦

[Hidden]

Hi Colby2525252, from my own experience of breathlessness I have learned that acid reflux can cause asthma like symptoms and acid reflux does not always have the burning heartburn symptoms so it's not always so obvious that we have the problem, the other thing for me that causes bad breathing problems is Soya, soya is used in so many foods and drinks now, the slightest bit of the stuff and my breathing is very bad, just a couple of suggestions for you, hope you get the problem sorted soon...

[Izb1]

It doesnt sounds like your lungs are the problem for this breathlessness that you have and being a window cleaner you get plenty of exercise. I would speak with your gp it could be other things causing this x

[Hidden]

On my lung function test my fv1% was 80% my ratio 55% meant to be low for age

[Stanjory]

Are you definitely sure you’re doing your park flow measurement properly? Exhaling rather than blowing into it? Some good advice from lots of people. Hope you get sorted soon.

[Gillian_ALUK Partner]

Please remember you can give our Helpline Team a call on 0300 222 5800 Monday - Friday 9:00am/5:00pm. We're here to help with any questions or concerns you have about your lung health. You can also use our WhatApp messaging service for anyone with asthma on 07378 606 728 if you feel more comfortable sending a message rather than speaking on the phone.

[ghousrider]

i am glad your reached that score i cant i have copd/ phunnia / asma bronical problems lucky to get 350 good on your matey

[Hidden in reply to ghousrider]

Yeah not great but what age are you, I'm only 25