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Does anyone understand how peak flow measurements indicate severity of COPD

12 years ago•11 Replies

I am assessed as moderate COPD, however my peak flow of 275 does not appear on peak flow charts, the lowest figure being 300. The medics tell me my peak flow and breathing are fine/normal. This is very confusing as anyone else encountered this sort of cofusion during their treatment?

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katieoxo60

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Peak flow

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11 Replies

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12 years ago

Peak flow meters do not measure copd - they are used for asthma. For any meaningful measure of copd you need a spirometer. Your medics should know this.

brujapatsy• in reply to12 years ago

hi Parvati

could you please explain spirometer results will show re emphysema ,which i have .

i use a flow meter at home and get pleased if i reach 300 now as i used to get 250/275.!!!!!!!!!!!

• in reply tobrujapatsy12 years ago

Peak flow meters are not much use for COPD, unlike Asthma, as they only measure Peak Expiratory Flow rates (PEF) - airflow is only measured from the upper large airways. This is fine for Asthma, which involves the large airways.

Also PEF doesn't differentiate between restrictive and obstructive airways disease, and so cannot be diagnostic as regards COPD.

In COPD, it is the smaller airways and their obstruction that is measured by spirometry, which is the 'gold standard' for accurately measuring airflow obstruction.

To demonstrate - someone could have severe COPD - with say severe obstruction of the small airways, poor 02 exchange due to alveolar damage, and yet not have much problem blowing a reasonable score on a Peak Flow Meter. Conversely, an asthmatic may have a very low score on a Peak flow, yet not have COPD.

To know your 'scores' for Emphysema and track your progress you need to ask your doctor for your spirometry results. Peak flow readings can underestimate the severity of COPD.

brujapatsy• in reply to12 years ago

thank you very much for the informative reply Pavarti

I am gold2 enphysema

I was first diagnosed in sep 2010

At that time i was gold 1

I find SOB and tiredness the main restrictions for me in my daily life.

keep well everyone !

katieoxo60• in reply to12 years ago

Thanks for the information everyone

12 years ago

Hi Katie Welcome

If you have chronic asthma it comes under the banner of COPD, the Peak Flow is often used for asthma patients. Peak Flow measurements can change from day to day.

COPD patients have spirometry checks, spirometry checks can also change from time to time depending on weather, lung infection and if the patient also has asthma etc.

If you've had asthma previously this is where the peak flow comes in. If you have now been diagnosed with COPD you will also need to have a spirometry test done.

Ask for some explanation about this from those who are treating you.

All good wishes Zoee

katieoxo60• in reply to12 years ago

Thanks for the info I do have both tests done plus chest scans at irregular intervals but wasn't sure what was normal and what indicated problems. The info on this page has made it a bit clearer.

mooseloose12 years ago

explain peak flow healthlibrary.bannerhealth....

12 years ago

apparently at my age of 62, and female, i should normally have a peakflow of around 375 / 400 and 10 years ago a doc said it should be around 410. and when it's 190 or 200 I feel good.

12 years ago

yes, 200 is great - managed to raise it to that after a few acupuncture sessions - first time that high in over 2 years... then yuk exacerbation and went down to under 100 like you. annoying . will work on increasing it again when over this exacerbation... after 2 weeks antibiots and feeling like it's not gone yet ! good for monitoring yes, agree.

ditowler10 years ago

I am 61 and was diagnosed with mild copd 3 months ago. My spiro test wasn't that good. I purchased a peak flow meter and for my height and age I should be blowing 445% I currently blow 400%. I feel fine, I keep active and still smoke 3-5 ciggies a day, not good I know but after smoking for 40 odd years it is very hard to quit. I use my meter everyday and as long as it is above the yellow marker I am happy.

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