PEF tables and “green zones.”

[Wimble]

Trying to understand PEF levels. 58-year-old woman so should be just over 400. If I manage 80% (320) does that put me in the safe level? I have MS.

[Bkin]

PEF explained here: patient.info/doctor/spirome...

You need a copy of your entire spirometry to do the overall calculation to see where you are on the COPD chart.

PEF (Peak Expiry Flow) is just one measurement.

Or were you talking about the peak flow more related to Asthma:

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

[Wimble in reply to Bkin]

It’s the Multiple Sclerosis that is making me a bit short of breath so I am trying to work out if my PEF level is still in the normal range. I blow into the PEF monitor but I certainly can’t reach 400. Hoping that 320 is okay. I’ve got plenty of other problems to worry about so hoping that this isn’t one of them!

[Bkin in reply to Wimble]

I am not familiar with asthma measurements perhaps speak with your doctor regarding this issue. Also I am unable to advise on MS health issue

If you were prescribed the peak flow metre speak with your asthma nurse or doctor.

If you have purchased this yourself and are concerned still check in with your doctor.

MS Multiple Schlerosis?? there may well be another forum on HU that others with MS may relate to the breathing issue.

There is always the MS UK helpline that may be able to advise further.

mssociety.org.uk/care-and-s....

mstrust.org.uk/a-z/breathin....

Best wishes

[Gingeros in reply to Bkin]

Many thanks Bkin, much appreciated for links.

Take care and stay safe .X

[Bkin in reply to Gingeros]

Glad you found useful Gingeros

[hypercat54]

There is an MS site on here

healthunlocked.com/mymsaa

[Wimble in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks but they are not really the experts when it comes to breathing problems so I was hoping somebody could explain the “80% of normal” and if that means 320 is an okay reading on this amazon thing I’m blowing into. I just don’t know if it’s a healthy number or not.

[hypercat54 in reply to Wimble]

Try the asthma site then as they talk about PEF levels a lot. They are also on here.

[Wimble in reply to hypercat54]

I apologise as perhaps I should not have joined this forum as I do not have asthma or COPD. I wanted to ask people who know far more about breathing problems than I do how to interpret the results I am getting from this PEF meter as I am not sure if the MS is giving me another serious problem or if 80% of “normal” is still considered “healthy”.

[hypercat54 in reply to Wimble]

I have asthma and copd. I am in my 60's and blow around the same as you. I can't say any more really. Your best bet is to talk to your Dr.

[teresa297 in reply to Wimble]

I am in my 60s and have COPD and can only get to 250 on my peak flow meter.

[peege in reply to Wimble]

Absolutely no apologies necessary Wimble. A warm welcome to you.

We are here for anyone with queries about breathing issues. When you're looking for answers you have to try everywhere you can and many of us had to begin somewhere, you never know, there may be others on this forum with MS as well as lung disease. You might try calling the BLF help line: 03000 030555 uk office hours

Very best wishes to you. P

[Hidden]

PF is a very personal thing. The charts are just averages, it all depends on what’s “best” for you. But as hypercat54 says, the guys on the asthma forum are the experts in this. There are some very knowledgeable people on there so take a look & I’m sure you’ll get some useful replies. A lot of us are on both sites. Btw, everyone’s welcome here, to whatever help we can give.

[MissKota]

I’m 59, with bronchiectasis, and on average blow 280/300. This is my norm and is used as a baseline. When it gets below that figure I need medication.

I would think 320 with MS would be fairly normal as I understand it compromises you physical fitness.

Having said all that, I would still ask your MS nurse.

Hope that helps.

[katieoxo60]

Your person who manages your care -package should be able to advise on this. I have Asthma/COPD and even with inhalers it can fall below 300 my average is 350 and I am told that is good. It is just a figure a bit like weight you need to know your norm to be able to know if it is changeing and you need to see the GP., then or seek advice. Good luck.

[Ergendl]

Hi, Wimble. I have COPD and asthma. When I was diagnosed in 2015, my spirometry readings for COPD were in the top end of moderate range. With exercise, running singing for lung health sessions and other tips suggested by people here, I improved my spirometry readings to the low end of normal. All through that time, and that improvement, my peak flow readings have stayed constant and read between 240 and 350. Today must be a good day, as I managed 350 again as one of my three blows - my average today is about 325.

Hope this helps.

If you'd like to try some singing exercises to help your breathing, check out diaphragm exercises on You Tube, or drop into the free Breathe Better Sing Together You Tube channel I'm in the process of setting up to replace the physical sessions I can't hold at present. Only three exercise videos at present, but more on the way.

All the best, M.

[soulsaver]

PEF 'normal' varies by height and age as well as gender. If you're right about 400 then 380 is well within the normal range. You can allow upto 85 LPM less.

Are you doing best of 3 blows? Are you aware you can vary during the day? Are you using the right technique?

I'm guessing you're noticing a change in your breathing and bought a peak flow meter of Amazon to put your mind at rest rather than risk a GP visit in the current circumstances?

Note that 'normal range' doesn't mean to say you're changes are normal. Get it checked with your GP, perhaps starting with a telephone call. S/he'll probably get you an appointment with the respiratory nurse.

[Hidden]

Hi

My respitory nurse that up to %80 of normal is ok if it is below to get in touch with Doc.

Take care

[MoyB]

I have COPD, asthma and bronchiectasis. I am in my late sixties, overweight and short! My peak flow goes between 180 - 210 so this is considered my normal range. Anything below 'normal' should be investigated, according to the asthma nurse. The trouble is that 'normal' is different for all of us as age, height, weight etc are taken into consideration.

A phone call to your GP would do no harm.

xx Moy

[Rattle]

Hi Wimble!

If you want another reference for comparison: I am 58, asthma, bronchiectasis and had a lobectomy (part of my right lung removed) as a baby. Average height, 5f 6in.

I have been told I have about 75-80% lung capacity (based on spirometry tests) and get about 280-310 on my PEF meter.

One of my best friends has MS and is wheelchair dependent since many years. I don’t know of her having any particular breathing issues but being so immobile obviously affects your fitness level (and hence the PEF readings)