peak flow

[bmb64]

Hi I’ve been suffering with an irritating cough now for over 6 months, with shortness of breath and tightness of the chest only on left side. Had chest X-ray and ecg both clear, been given an inhaler Symbicort and I’ve been using a peak flow with a chart. I was only reaching 200 before using inhaler now some days managing 300 I’m due a spirometer test in few weeks just wondering if tat is a good result for my age. I’m 60 and 5ft 4 many thanks x

[knitter]

the ALUK helpline is open again tomorrow . Contact by phone or email .

Phone number on this site .

They are very helpful

My peak flow fluctuates and we are all different .

Best wishes

[bmb64 in reply to knitter]

Thank you 😊

[Patk1 in reply to knitter]

0300 222 5800

[garshe]

Everyone is different so no one can advise on this . Xx.Sheila

[shiftcolors]

I’ve had my cough for 3+ years. It’s the meds

[Superfly1975]

I would ask your GP for a FeNO breath test prior to your Spirometry, it will show if you have inflammation in the lungs for which oral steroids should be prescribed and identify if Asthma is suspected

[bmb64 in reply to Superfly1975]

Thank you 😊

[Coughingalltheway]

Hi bmb64, I'm a few years older than you but the same height. My peak flow fluctuates, on a good day, I will reach 300. I even got up to 350 when I was on a course of prednisone tablets. At the moment, I'm down to 180 as I have a bug coming on.

Elsewhere, I have read that a woman who is a similar age to me averages 420 so it really does depend on what condition your lungs are in at the time.

I would mention to the respiratory nurse that you see a significant improvement since you've been using Symbicort as this is clearly helping you with your breathing.

Good luck with your spirometry test and let us know how you get on. xx

[bmb64 in reply to Coughingalltheway]

Thank you, the inhaler must be helping in someways as I’m seeing the difference on the peak flow, but it’s the sob when I’m out and about and certain things that trigger my coughing. Hopefully I’ll get it sorted, 🤗

[watergazer]

Good luck with your spirometry test. As others have said - our peak flow best differs according to the person xx

[bmb64 in reply to watergazer]

Many thanks 😊

[Superzob]

This chart may help:

Peak flow by age, gender and height