low peak flow? non-asthamtic

[OhYouMerryMerryKitten]

dh suggested I do a peak flow reading cos I've got a horrible chesty cough (that I can feel rattling in my chest). Came up as 330 (took loads of goes til I could get a acouple of readings without coughing). I'm sure I seem to remember when I've done it before out of curiousity its between 410 and 420 so its a bit on the low side isn't it?

I have got an inhaler from a 'viral whheze' back with a nasty bug in feb. its got it back up to 380 but boy does it make me feel shakey.

guess its a visit to gp if it doesnt clear up. bother.

When I go to allergy clinic for my desensitisation injection, if my peak flow after the injection is 20% less than before the injection, they worry - ie, mine is normally 450, so if it's less than 360, they investigate the cause and keep me in until it's improved.

Therefore, if yours is 20% or less than it usually is, I think I'd be tempted to get advice - maybe NHS Direct - you might have a chest infection which needs antibiotics.

yeah, I think you are maybe right. I don't really feel poorly enough for a full on chest infection but if it carries on I'll get looked at. Our out of hours is pretty good. Thank you.

420 isnt too bad...560 - 600 is much better though. As you say ,you have probably got a chest infection,also the cold air will close your tubes up too.

Aly - was 330 before I took the reliever, 420 is what I've achieved in the past. I really ought to have a talk with my gp I think even if I don't need an urgent appt. Thing is, I'm not wheezing and don't feel terrible, just not great and rattly when I cough.

dd who does have asthma is coughing loads but her asthma seems under control.

yeah you wont feel to brill with a pf of 330...what is your inhaler.

you could probably do with a course of amoxycillin and some prednisolone to settle everything down. There are alot of nasty chest infections about at the mo. Two of my friends have got the same symptoms.

ventolin. It was given as a one off when I had croup and a viral wheeze in feb (horrendous bug that was, felt so poorly that when I was crossing the road to get into the out of hours I nearly sat down in the middle of the road and dh had to drag me along, this is nothing like that)

really? oh bother. Thanks Aly. Going to have to really watch dd then, she is very prone