Peakflow and colds (newbie question) - Asthma Community ...

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Peakflow and colds (newbie question)

Annilou76 profile image
4 Replies

Hi! I’ve only very recently been diagnosed and started Spiromax (1 puff, twice day) 10 days ago. My Peakflow almost instantly improved from 320 to 370 and was still improving when I caught a cold on weekend. Now my peakflow is struggling to get to 300. I’m not struggling to breathe but just feel generally crap as you do with a cold. Should I just ride it out and keep using the Spiromax and Ventolin as needed? I’m hoping once this cold goes away my peakflow should go back up?

Probably stupid questions, sorry.

A x

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Annilou76
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4 Replies
elanaoali profile image
elanaoali

No question on here is stupid. Going through a similar situation with lose of voice and drop of peak flow last week. Tried to push through with just Ventolin but didn't improved so wise to take a course of steroid tablets rather sooner than later.

A drop of peak flow is a warning not all is good. I did have a tight chest too but ignored it to my cost. I suggest you ring asthma uk helpline for advice 0300 222 5800

Whatever your concern, speak to our team of expert asthma nurses by calling our confidential Helpline on 0300 222 5800 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. You can also contact us via WhatsApp chat on 07378 606728.

Hi,

If you are worried call the asthma line as suggested, or ring your asthma nurse/ GP for advice.

Do you have a plan to follow? My asthma nurse has given me a plan to follow in these situations. Low peak flow for a reason - eg a cold, plus feeling/breathing is acceptable, then I up my preventer. If my peak flow drops below a certain figure, no matter what I then call my surgery for an emergency neb and steroids.

These plan are unique to the asthmatic - you need to discuss having such a plan with your nurse/GP.

Don’t worry about asking questions. We all have had to learn (and I’m still learning!) how to handle our asthma.

Superzob profile image
Superzob

Yes, keep going with the meds and increase dosage if advised to do so. Also, you should have been given a rescue pack in case you get a lung infection. Best speak to your surgery about that, but you’ll probably find the cold will go on its own and your peak flow will go back to normal.

Yellow75 profile image
Yellow75

Peak flow is only one thing to keep eye on, if you are experiencing other asthma symptons like tight chest, coughing, shortness of breath and usual meds not giving relief seek medical advise too. I have had a couple of episodes where my peak flow didn't alter from norm but had really bad symptoms.

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