Low peak flow value?

[MivoUK]

Age 23, male, 5'10 inches. Weight 165lbs

I have asthma and was using fostair 200/6 and reliever inhaler. Nurse changed me to Seretide 250 from the fostair due to persistent shortness of breathe and breathing difficulties.

My peakflow for the last year has been 400-450. My PB this year was 450 i think.

I seem to have got some kind of respiratory infection and my peak flow is now down to 320-350!

Should i be concerned about this? Isn't my usual value of 400-450 really bad?

[Echoblue]

Hi MivoUK, you can download an app and chart your peak flows and it can help you monitor trends and assist with a visual snapshot of your condition at your reviews etc. There are a number of them out there. Personally I use the PEFLog one which you just take your peak flow as normal 3 times and record the readings on the app. It charts it for you and you can even record a pre meds and post meds reading adding in comments for example if your sats are low (if you record them) or if something has triggered a flare etc. This report can also be texted or emailed. My asthma nurse has found this so useful with my care that she now recommends all patients to use an app. This may also help you to recognise whether you are dipping lower than expected for your age/height etc (you input this data including your best peak flow) so this is your personal reference.

If it helps as a guide my best is 450 and my red zone is 275 or under. Unfortunately I have been hogging the red zone rather too much lately!

Don’t be over reliant on an app though, if in doubt please seek medical advice.

I hope that helps.

X

[strongmouse]

A value of 450 personla best peak flow for your age as a tallish male does seem low. Did the nurse check your peak flow when you saw them last? Also check that your technique for blowing is correct. A low reading can be because you are not using it right.

Generally the guidance is if you need to use your ventolin inhaler (reliever) a lot more frequently then you see a doctor. Asthma UK have information on this and on measuring peak flow - asthma.org.uk/advice/manage...

If you are still feeling breathless and have a low peak flow then it sounds as though your asthma is not under control. A respiratory infection with aggravate this. I suggest you speak to a doctor at your surgery.

[KJ48]

Hi MivoUK

The guidance given on peak flow is what an average reading would be for your height, weight and gender. What is important though is what is normal for you. On average I am supposed to have a PF of around 600, but my best is generally about 420. I would therefore not be too concerned about the PF of 450 but the drop is obviously not so good. I only get that significant a drop when I have a chest infection - sometimes that clears up on its own, sometimes I have needed oral steroids to help. I would check with your GP or AN to see if this might be needed. Good luck and i hope it gets better soon