Hi just wondering how many people tak... - Lung Conditions C...

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Hi just wondering how many people take their peak flows,( not just when having a episode ) a what are you all getting, i get between 200-220

12 years ago•14 Replies

I am on oral steriods daily 40mg,plus top whack of uniphylinn 600mg twice a day,plus nebs,inhalers and oxygen.be interesting to know what is the average for people if there is one

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poeticlady

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Gordon5712 years ago

Not everyone will have their own peak flow meter at home. I was lucky, my GP wanted to do some longer term measurements so prescribed one for me. It's not the red cylinder type they have at the surgery, this is a hand held 'Pocketpeak' device, plastic and flimsy. Having said that, I've had it a while now.

When I've had my course of anti-biotics and steroids I have got up to 450, but then I start going downhill and have had days of no better than 200/250. I got down to a point where I was always giving low readings, so he gave me another version of the Pocketpeak, a yellow one, intended more for Children, as it's maximum reading is only 400

That's where I seem to be at present, roughly 400's, but starting to go down again.

12 years ago

Hi I find on my peak flows I generally get around 300-350. I am on symbicort, spirave and ventolin. Dont have nebuliser and dont need oxygen (yet?)

I think everybody at more or less different stages. I am lucky to be just at stage 1 COPD. Most here seem more severe or have multiple illnesses. xx

Shaun5312 years ago

I bought a peak flow off Amazon for about 9 quid, just before I started going to the gym to hopefully measure any improvements as my fitness improves, it’s the same type they use at my doctors so a decent one, but with a plastic mouth piece rather than disposable cardboard tube.

When I was diagnosed I could blow 340, on a good day now I can hit 360, but other days I struggle to get 250, I’m just on Ventolin at the mo as I wanted to try manage it by quitting smoking and working on my fitness.

Lynne195512 years ago

I bought one from the chemist and do it daily. When first diagnosed it read 150 and I have moderate COPD and mild asthma. Since being on Spiriva and increasing my aerobic exercise, it's 240 and rising.

davidbryn12 years ago

hi highest is 290. lowest 230.. when it drops to below 200 its usually a chest infection. age 77 and had COPD SINCE 1984.

Spritz12 years ago

I am 58, on Ventolin, Spiriva and Seretide 250, 2 puffs twice a day. I have oxygen at home for 16 hours a day. My GP was able to prescribe a peak flow meter and on a really good day, my peak flow is in the region of 145 - 150. Having said that, it's been around that for the last few years so must be grateful for small mercies, as they say!!

dinnyrayner12 years ago

I no longer have a peak flow meter at home as my consultant says its not relevant ??. i must look into that . my best ever was 360 after 6 weeks of private hospital following pneumonia and having the best of care and rest with time to exercise properly . That was in 1984 , my worst was 90 , when i had pneumonia and at my last 'blow' it was 120 , before that 170 , these were at the hospital . in between the 1984 and the last ones i managed about 270 on average when well and obviously lower when ill . I am on salamol nebs , spiriva , seretide , uniphyllin 400 and oxygen . xxxx Dinny xxxx

Lynne195512 years ago

My understanding is that the peak flow monitor is more relevant to asthma than COPD and the spirometry is more for COPD.

Gordon57 in reply to Lynne195512 years ago

I do check mine from time to time, not daily, as a drop in my average blow is often an indication of a chest infection setting in. It seems to be around the time I get a stronger than usual sense of smell and taste.

If the medics are right, I have both COPD and Asthma. I'm still waiting for them to decide.

12 years ago

Hi poetic lady

I use the peak flow meter twice a day . My doctor prescribed me a Mini Wright meter, as my asthma was out of control and before the copd came on the horizon, you can down load a peak flow diary chart from Patient.co.uk you take a morning and evening check. It is important to take the best of three blows as it can vary. Now I'm on seretide 250 ventolin and Spiriva my best is 300. Keep well B

Puffthemagicdragon12 years ago

I'm on Seretide, Spiriva and Ventolin. No oxygen. It's been 200 for ages but has recently gone up to 240 since being prescribed Seretide recently.

Oxygen test on Friday..

poeticlady12 years ago

It is really helpful to know how everyone differs,i forgot to mention in my question,i have had severe asthma since 17 I'm now 51 hence the need for constant steroids,as i was always in and out of hospital,i got the news of moderate copd this year,and i do have the spirva test done also,i use the hospital peak flow meter that was given to me,but also have a little blue one,my lowest has been 70 but usually involves having a chest infection/severe attack of asthma. i really find this site so helpful,although i don't blog often,i read about you all,and you are truly inspiring.thank-you

12 years ago

Hi,

I do my peak flow all the time, as been really bad recently but mines rubbish it is only 180 at min and on a good day it is around 230 - 250