Feeling bad, peak flow gets lower each time

[Cristina1992]

Hey all I've always been told to take the highest peak flow reading. However my 1st puff is always high and as it should (350), 2nd 300 and 3rd 250. After I feel awful and tight chested. Also often accompanied by a wheeze. Anyone else experience this?

[twinkly29]

Yes very much so - and I think some people have the opposite, the first being rubbish and then their scores being much better. I suspect that's why it's best of 3 and I reckon it's probably more common to have varied readings than 3 similar.

[Cristina1992 in reply to twinkly29]

Thankyou for your reply. I've had asthma all my life, and my peak flow is usually stable. I was concerned that this might be a common hint that I'm heading for a bad flare. I will keep an eye on my results and if it decreases I will contact my doctor. Thanks again, Cristina.

[Js706]

I think ideally you should get 3 readings fairly similar with peak flow (particularly if things are controlled). Normally it dropping dramatically with each reading could either be an issue with technique (but think that normally just causes 3 very different readings, not necessarily 3 going down) or a sign that you're tired out/sore etc as peak flow is very effort dependent.

I don't think airways should narrow that quickly and dramatically if its when you're sitting down to do 3 readings all in a row. But it going down along with feeling tight chested etc (and struggling to breathe out like you said on your other post) might be a sign that things aren't controlled at the moment.

[Cristina1992 in reply to Js706]

Thankyou for your reply. I wasn't sure that my pipe would tighten that suddenly either, but after a 3rd attempt my chest will feel extremely tight for a while after, so much so that i need to take my ventolin to help. I do feel exhausted too after puffing but my technique should be fine as ive had multiple attempts at the peak flow with doctors and nurses as ive had asthma all my life. I will start keep track of my peak flow and record all 3 to see if it improves or whether its time to contact the doctor. Thank you again.

[Logo132]

This always happens to me too and similar readings to you.

[Cristina1992 in reply to Logo132]

Thanks for replying. Its nice to know youre not alone! I hope your asthma is currently well managed.