This week I have been diagnosed with Asthma. I mainly get it when during and after running. This week my chest has been very bad and I have a constant cough day and night and I am not sure whether I am suffering from an Asthma attack and whether I need to take my Salbutamol.
How do I get hold of a Peak Flow Meter?
You can get a prescription to get a peak flow meter from your GP.
You can also buy electronic ones from places like Amazon but most of us are content and happy with manual ones that a GP will give you a prescription for. There is a charge for them and I believe this differs dependent on where you are in the UK.
Exercise induced Asthma can be brought under control by taking the long-term steroids or it can, at least, minimise the symptoms. You need to educate yourself on the difference between the steroid long-term preventers, which you usually take daily, and the emergency relievers. You will need to learn and understand how your body responds to both. You will need to learn to take an emergency reliever with you at all times and, as some do, have a few in the house - i.e. in the car, in the home, in your purse/bag so that they are close to hand.
Read loads of posts on here as there is plenty of good information.
I've just been diagnosed too. It helps that I volunteer with the Red Cross and was able to recognise the symptoms. First thought it was just exercise induced and then borrowed a peak flow meter and realised my peak flow was varying by at least 20-30% most days so have been given a steroid inhaler too
If you are feeling tight chested, short of breath and finding it harder to breathe, take a dose of your reliever and see if it helps. I'd been given a reliever just for exercise but tried it a few other times and noticed a big difference. That was what persuaded me to keep a closer eye on peak flow. Either way, its worth phoning your gp surgery as for a new diagnosis they are quite keen to know if you have any difficulties
As for obtaining a peak flow meter - your gp should be able to prescribe one or they cost about £12 for a standard Mini-Wright or £30 for a much more compact electronic one like an Asma-1 or Piko. It's worth noting that the electronic ones are usually available on prescription too if you can persuade your GP to go with a higher price (although the difference between manual and electronic is only a few pounds on the NHS price lists)
welcome jill B.
You can get a pf meter from your docs and a spacer if you
need one .
love Glynis xxx
Queries as newly diagnosed
PLEASE HELP - constant coughing and dry preventers not helping at all
Using Fostair 100/6 & Ventolin Advice 
Winter Cold Steriods Advice
Something still not right…. Advice anyone? 🙏🏽
