Peak flow

[Mojo17]

Peak flow

I have copd, I have just had my peak flow done and it was 210 does anybody know if this is low or average I am 66 years old

[hypercat54]

Hi the peak and flow test is done for asthma not copd. 210 does seem low so check online the average for your weight, age, sex, height etc.

The spirometry test confirms copd and what level you are at. Do you know your lung function (FEV1)? x

[O2Trees in reply to hypercat54]

Not weight Bev - someone here put me right about that a while ago. I guess because weight changes whereas the other three generally don't.

[puppylover in reply to hypercat54]

I went to the doctors last week with a chest infection and she took my peak flow reading. It was 150. I think I am usually somewhere between 200 and 250. It is quite a good indicator if lungs are not performing as well as usual.

[hypercat54 in reply to puppylover]

Wow 150 is low and so is even 250. My average is usually around 350. Are you moderate now? I didn't think you were that bad Chris. Pm me. Bev xx

[Ergendl]

Hi, Mojo. I have moderate COPD which I was originally told was 'a little reactive' 3 years ago, but I was told this week also includes asthma. My peak flow is between 240 and 320. I use and teach singing to help improve the way my body manages breathing, so that I get the best possible performance out of the air I do manage to breathe.

[Fennella02]

Hi. Mine is never higher than 250. I'm 50, slim and active so I guess functionally I'm doing ok. A little bit more air would be nice though . . .!

[Hidden]

Have you got an action plan? I suppose not because my peakflow levels and how I should go about it is mentioned on my action plan.

For me 210 is low, it goes by age, weight and height. You can google it but of course your doctor would be able to judge better.

The main thing is how do you feel??

Do you feel breathless right now? Then I would get an emergency appointment.

Take care x

[O2Trees in reply to Hidden]

Not weight apparently, see my reply to Bev above. But gender is a definite factor. x

[mrsmummy in reply to O2Trees]

asthma.org.uk/advice/diagno...

[Hidden in reply to O2Trees]

Ok maybe different for manual peakflow. They usually asked me for my weight for all pulmonary function tests and spirometry. I had to enter my weight on my digital peak flow.

[O2Trees in reply to Hidden]

Hah! I was told quite firmly that weight wasn't a factor but I also get asked for my weight when doing a LFT. It might be one of those things that practitioners have varying views about. Maybe someone will come on with more certainty than I have now!

[Hidden in reply to O2Trees]

Well it doesn’t really matter for a manual peakflow which honestly if not done under guidance is a poor indicator. I abandoned it a while ago..

I have that digital one and a pulsoxymetre. And I only use either when I am unwell. To know which medicine to take or increase because personally I don’t like to dwell on all this on a daily basis. It tends to bring you down. I have enough apparatus to use as it is these days 😊🌷x

[MoyB]

My peak flow goes between 180 and 210. I think this is low but when I was in hospital with a chest infection they deemed it ok. I have COPD, asthma and bronchiectasis. I'm 67, 5'1" and overweight. I get by ok on a daily basis, in fact I'm alright in between chest infections even though the peak flow seems low.

As HappyLondon said, if you feel breathless you should get an appointment and get checked out. xx Moy

[Susan1200]

Hi Mojo 17, my peak flow is always around 250 ,I think it's quite low , it's been the same for 3 years.

[watergazer]

hi- your recommended peak flow is worked out by your age, height, sex ... Your doctor or practice nurse or specialist should be able to do this for you and then give you a plan. My peak flow is monitored for my asthma. If you are breathless I recommend you see your doctor.

[soulsaver]

210 is quite low... but depends on your age gender & height

Mine is c.500 which is a little less than normal for a male my age & height.

As O2 pointed out, weight doesn't figure on a peak flow chart...

see here: images.sampletemplates.com/...

Best wishes

[Dubba61]

Hello Mo, Mine is never more than 260 n sometimes a lot less. been same since i was diagnosed aged 48. So i console myself that at least it's not getting worse. 😊✌️🌻

[Yatzy]

I’m rarely less than 250, or things are really bad. I can’t get higher than 300/340 though even when they’re good.

[lKeith]

Mojo17

Hi it sounds low, Mine is even lower but I have severe emphysema and little lung fuction.

IKeith

[Jardine21359]

I was at doctor this morning and my peak flow was 210.doctor said it was low.i have copd and I’m 5’