Peak flow

If you have questions about treatments for environmental allergies such as chemical sensitivity, latex allergy, dust mite allergy, sensitivity to perfumes, mould and mildew, asthma or rhinitis etc , please ask them here.

Moderator: talkhealth

Locked
2 posts
Kate99
Posts: 79
Joined: Thu Aug 04, 2011 3:31 pm
Quote

by Kate99 on Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:10 pm

Peak flow

Hi,

Could you explain the peak flow values please? My peak flow at it's very best is 420 which i appreciate is low but when first diagnosed with asthma i would average 180.

Could it be that i have a small lung capacity? When my asthma is well controlled and i exercise i get out of breath quickly but also recover quickly.

Thanks

User avatar
Dr Joanna Lukawska
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon May 09, 2011 11:56 am
Quote

by Dr Joanna Lukawska on Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:50 pm

Re: Peak flow

Hi Kate

Peak flow meter is used to estimate the degree of obstruction in the airways. It records how quickly you are able to blow out the air from your lungs (measured in litres per minute). Your peak flow readings will depend on your age, height and sex (higher expected values for adults, males and taller people) and hence it is very difficult to comment on individual readings. Your peak flow readings will be lower in your childhood and adolescence (180 compared to 420, also there has been a change in the type of devices we use over the last 15 years).
Even in healthy people peak flow readings will vary and there is an art to taking a good peak flow reading.
Generally make sure you blow out as hard as you can, get a good seal around the mouth piece, and take the best reading out of 3, but having said all this a lot of patients find it a tricky exercise. Use your peak flow to monitor your asthma, but also rely on your own perception of symptom control (cough, exercise tolerance, night time symptoms). Quick post exercise recovery is a positive sign, however if you find that exercise makes you short of breath persistenly, use your blue inhale (couple of puffs) just before you go for a run etc. If this does not help speak to your GP as you may need an adjustment in your asthma medication.

Good luck
Joanna
Dr Joanna Lukawska
Clinical Research Fellow & Specialist Registrar in Allergy

Locked
2 posts