peak flow meter

[lauraann]

Hello everyone, i have just been given a peak flow meter and i have used it, it gave me a reading of 250, i believe the reading for men should start at 300, ( i am a man) has anyone used this and what percentage of lung function relates to 250 as i have emphysema and i am 70 years old, 5'8" and weigh 180kg

[1968]

Hi, I am 48, male, 6ft 1inch and 14 stone, last time I blew 475.

[lauraann in reply to 1968]

thanks 1968, you have a very good reading

[Hidden]

You can check "normal" values here. Your weight is irrelevant by the way, it's just gender, age & height peakflow.com/top_nav/normal...

[Maximonkey in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hanne62, I tried this and it does not work as far as I am concerned. The lower PF is above what my good PF reads. i.e. my peak flow is 360 on a good day, I only need to worry if my PF falls beneath 300. So much for once size fits all graphs. Bye for now Maximonkey

[Hidden in reply to Maximonkey]

Hi Maximonkey The advice is always to go by what's normal for you. It's only "a guide as to what peak flow could be expected from each individual, if they didn't have asthma." Pf is only useful for measuring asthma control. I posted it cos lauraann specifically asked about pf

[lauraann in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Hanne62, i appreciate your feedback

[aberdeenman]

peak flow is mainly for asthma, I have coped and if I use a peak flow meter and on a good day I manage 110

[Pantani in reply to aberdeenman]

I get the same sort of reading as Aberdeen's with a peak flow of 105. I also have COPD.

[lauraann in reply to aberdeenman]

thank you aberdeenman, that has put my fears to rest

[knitter]

Hi lauraann, your peak flow reading depends on your age, sex, height and lung condition ...and even time of day, and when you took your inhalers.

Did your GP or nurse show you how to use the meter and what to do with the readings?

When I was first diagnosed with asthma, my readings were very good, twenty years on I now have COPD as well and my readings are much lower( so is my height)

In the beginning I was told to take a reading twice a day and record it to show to my GP ....along with the medication I had used. Now I only look at my readings when I feel my chest is tighter and my breathlessness worse. If they fall much below normal I look for help either from my health centre or A and E if it falls rapidly..but I would ask your health professional how you should manage your readings. I have got to know how my lung condition changes after all this time...don't take risks.

If you live in the UK, you can contact the BLF helpline by phone or email for advice.

Take care

[lauraann in reply to knitter]

Thank you knitter, there are lots of questions i still have to ask my GP

[Hidden]

I am 62 and female. I have asthma and mild copd. I blow around 350.

[B0xermad]

I am 56 female and blow 250 on a good day

[stepheng1205]

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[mrsmummy]

COPD cannot be measured using a peak flow meter. You would need a spirometry test to discover your lung function level.

[Watfordgirl]

I went to respiratory clinic - one day after finishing two weeks antibiotics for an exacerbation. Said no, I shouldn't have LFT done so the nurse did a peak flow. It was 80. She said gosh, that's bad. Did that make me feel any better?? Sue x

[warwickstag]

My lungs are 129 years old, but I still managed 115. 64 year old male with severe COPD and FEV1% = 26%.