home checks

[whit]

is it ok to buy a peak flow meter to use at home ,my breathing has been all over the place the last 2/3 weeks i am taking my rescue pack at the moment if i had a flow meter how do i interpret the results, i am at 41% fev last check at the docs.

[peege]

Hiya Whit, I'm sure it's okay to buy yourself a peak flow meter. I have one, given, unasked for on, prescription. I don't use it often but it's a useful tool let you know when things aren't right. If you think you need the GP then you can take your readings 2 X daily for a few days beforehand. It helps to know your 'normal' PF rate so you can tell when it's wavering.

Something I learnt last winter, my daughter was told to do her 6 year olds peak flow morning & evening every single day throughout winter. He said that when it drops was a good indication (along with other symptoms) that Daisy had an chest infection so a GP visit for abs ASAP. I now take the peak flow meter more seriously. P

[whit in reply to peege]

thanks

[Hidden]

You can get a regular one from the GP..I bought a digital one Contec SP10 online. More efficient you can see your Fev 1 and it keeps your history..

I only use it when I feel unwell now if not I thought it could become obsessional and create anxiety..

[whit in reply to Hidden]

that's why i'want it , for when i'm iffy

[Hidden in reply to whit]

Got it on Amazon.

[whit in reply to Hidden]

Thanks.

[Lal531]

Hi Whit, your doctor / Asthma nurse should be able to provide you a Free peak flow meter

[whit]

ok, but i could get an appointment to see the queen quicker than my doc.

[knitter]

I am asthmatic and have always had a peak flow meter provided by the NHS, but it measures PEF, and I don't know if this reading correlates to FEV.

Mine is the plastic tube type, not the one that Happy London mentioned though, so perhaps it's not as sophisticated . Would it be an idea to ask your pharmacist or the BLF before you buy one.

I know my normal peak flow reading, so when I use the meter I know if it's getting too low.

[Badbessie]

If you buy a spirometry device it pays to remember that readings can be affected by many things and not just being " Ilffy". My own reading vary greatly even when I am at my best. I tend to ignore readings and let my body tell me if there is a problem. When first diagnosed I tended to dwell on poor readings and this caused anxiety to some degree. The only time I use my devices now is to confirm what my body is telling me. Machines can be very useful but can become a source of anxiety.

[Maximonkey]

Hi whit, your doc of nurse will give you script for a peak flow meter, do not buy one. I have one and it definitely helps to predict when I am going to have a flare up. Good luck and happy puffing. Maximonkey

[whit in reply to Maximonkey]

I will try and get one from him.

[Kristicats]

To check Fev1 levels COPD spirometers are best and most appropriate and accurate I would think. Mines pretty easy.

[whit in reply to Kristicats]

Thanks