Peak Flows? [290??]

  • Thread starter Thread starter dreamingofasong
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dreamingofasong

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Hey all,
I got a peak flow meter on Tuesday, and I've pretty constantly been getting 290 as my reading [the odd 300, and a 325 and a 350 after exercise/pre-exercise Ventolin.]

I'm 17 and 5'2"--is this a normal peak flow reading, or is it low? What I've read online and in the brochure that came with my meter is that I should be up around 400-450?

I don't see my doctor again until the end of March, so any answers would be appreciated--even just an "I'm not sure."

Thanks!
 
When you're dealing with peak flows the important thing is to figure out what's normal for you (the brochures that come with them show averages). Some people's "normal" is way above average, others are below (and they can vary significantly throughout the day).

Instead of worrying about the exact nuraber, focus on getting daily readings to understand what your "normal" is. If your normal reading drops significantly one day (or drops steadily over several days), and your inhaler doesn't seem to help, you should call your doctor.

Otherwise, don't sweat it.
 
This is the main reason I don't like these things! People get all worked up over their readings instead of relying on reading their own bodies. if oyu are feeling fine, breathing great, why should you run off to the doctor when a pfm says you're below what it thinks normal is? That's a waste of your time, your doctor's time and your money for the doc's visit.
 
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