Possibly daft question about peak flow meter

[georgedawes]

I've just been prescribed this and an inhaler, and have to record readings X2 a day. It says put the slider to the bottom of the scale: is that to 60 or to the bottom?

[Fozzleyplum]

It should go right down to the bottom. After all, even to register 60, it would have to have moved from a (lower) starting point. I use one regularly, and have my peak flow monitored at the surgery too, and the pointer is always right at the bottom before you blow.

[georgedawes]

Oh that's great, thanks

[GlobeUs]

Is it the peak flow meter with just one scale? If so it goes right to the bottom.

If it is the peak flow meter with two scales that the one with one marker goes right to the bottom, and the two markers on the other side are used to mark the bottom and top of your targets.

[georgedawes]

Yes it is with just the one scale, thanks. This is all new to me! Waiting on a consultation too with the asthma nurse which I'm sure will help.

[GlobeUs]

@georgedawes Asthma nurses are fantastic.

Did they explain you need to do the reading before you take the inhaler?

And it's normal for it to be worse in the morning - so don't panic if that happens?

I am assuming they've told you what you should be aiming for, and it's the best of three blows that you take the reading from too.

Good luck! Feel free to DM if you have any questions.

[georgedawes]

Thank you! Yes that was on the instructions, so did it for the first time this morning.

I have no idea what I should be aiming for though, my reading this morning was 360. I'm having a review with the pharmacist in a week and waiting on the asthma nurse too.

[GlobeUs]

www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/breathing-tests/peak-flow#:~:text=The%20expected%20values%20are%20higher,lower%20and%20still%20be%20normal.

This explains your levels - yours will be a lower until the inhaler starts to work. Once you've done it for a while you'll establish your personal baseline and know when things are good, and when things are dropping.

I'd say that the first few times you do it, and definitely until you see the asthma nurse, the technique can be a bit off which makes it lower too.

The asthma nurse will explain all the numbers with you though, tell you what levels to aim for and what levels mean you need an appointment etc.