Peak flow - what's it meant to be?

[ElizabethinherGermanGarden]

My peak flow is never very high - I'm lazy about checking it when I feel well but it's very rarely above 400. I'm 45, 5'5"", size 14, unfit but in very good general health. I have a peak flow meter left over from childhood asthma (I keep a ventolin puffer in the house just as a standby, but almost never need to use it; it's in date).

I've got Covid and it's dropped below 300. I'm not worrying because I don't feel too bad at the moment, but does anyone have any advice on an appropriate level to watch out for? I'll keep a general eye on it.

Have you got an oximeter?
My DDad 80s COPD, had an admission, chest infection not Covid, he was blowing out at 150

I think you should see a gp tbh, or at the very least the asthma nurse.

The thing about peak flow it is about what's normal for you.
If I am unwell 260 is normal.
350 plus when well.

@axolotlfloof

The thing about peak flow it is about what's normal for you. If I am unwell 260 is normal. 350 plus when well.

That's a relief!

Yes agree, it's whats normal for you.

I am 44, fit and my peak flow is 600/620.

At 550 I am on alert.
At 520 I usually need steroids.

Incidentally both times I had covid, my chest was very bad, but my asthma was fine and I was easily able to distinguish.

I'm 44, size 14, 5'3. When I'm well, I blow 600. I had a major allergy last week and it dropped to 450. I was really struggling, using my salamol blue inhaler 4 times a day. This only raised it to 500-550. After an emergency appointment I was given steroid tablets to help me. They were a godsend!

I think you need to speak with your gp or asthma nurse. Can you get your hands on an oxymeter too?

How old is your peak flow meter? The scales were changed a few years ago (in 2004; I've just looked it up!) - I have both.

Assuming you have an old one (!), 400 would be a good day for me - I'm a similar age and 5'4". 300 would be a little uncomfortable, and I'd be changing how I used my preventer.

Below 200 and I'd be seeking medical help. Below 150 with some urgency - but these are for me and my asthma; Covid may be doing other things for you. If you can get hold of an oximeter, that'll give you a better idea.

The most important thing is what is normal for you.

You haven't said what your normal is apart from 'rarely above 400' but that is has dropped below 300.

It doesn't matter in the slightest what other people might have as their peak flow but a drop of 20-50% is very significant and needs urgent medical attention. You should be calling 111 straight away at the weekend and taking your reliever.

As an example I'm 40s, 5ft 6, totally unfit and my normal is 450. At 430 I'm on oral steroids. I can't tolerate any drop at all.

It relates to volume, so bigger people (height) will have larger lung volume.
10% reduction from whatever your peak is is a problem.

I think if you’ve had a sizeable drop from your normal it’s worth speaking to the GP. When I had covid I went from my normal of 450 to 350. I was having to use my blue inhaler lots as my chest felt so tight and I was coughing so much so the doctor prescribed me steroids and antibiotics. My blood oxygen levels were ok but the doctor still prescribed me meds as my peak flow had reduced and she thought I had a chest infection from the covid.