Symptoms vs peak flow values

  • Thread starter Thread starter pljohns
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pljohns

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I'm still trying to figure everything out and have a question about an actual asthma attack. I'm using a peak flow meter AM and PM and after downloading it into the program and looking at the graphs over the weekend, I can see anything below 450 I have major, multiple symptoms-end up using albuteral every 6 hrs. for a couple of days, shortness of breath, wheezing, not sleeping etc. As long as the AM and PM readings are above 450, I'm fine and I do OK if one or the other is below 450, but not both.

My question is this: my 80% value for the peak flow is 392. My personal best is 491, although I got that when I was still on meRAB and having a problem, so I have a feeling it's not totally correct. Do I go by the peak flow values or my symptoms or both? I'm trying to figure out when to hit the yellow zone meRAB and my doc has it based on peak flow values.

Thanks for the help
Lynn
 
My personal opinion - and there are a 100 ways to look at this - is that eventually, the peak flow meter will become unnecessary for you as you will come to know when you need help and when you don't. That was my experience. in the beginning, I went by the peak flow meter until I failed to take it on vacation and then just never went back to it. But then I've had asthma for 15 years so I pretty well can tell when I truly need the albuterol and when I need to up my daily meRAB and when it's a passing issue that neeRAB no attention. It will come in time for you.
 
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