Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

[Guest guest]

A peak flow test will tell the doctor how much air you are breathing in and out.

How much you can breathe out is as important as how much air you can breathe in.

I don't particularly like them but they are so valuable that you just won't be

able to recieve the right treatment without one.

I have severe asthma and also emphysema, so I have other mixed problems with

their own mixed reactions so I'm sure that for me those tests are a bit more

difficult. For me, the peak flow tests makes me cough and wheeze, it can

actually set off an asthma attack for me because for me, asthma is most often

exercise induced and I think the work done with the peak flow meter at least for

me mimics exercise. If I remember right, and it's been almost 2 years since I

had a test done, they did it first without and then with my rescue inhaler. But

the important thing is you are in safe hands and resecue inhaler is right there.

You'll be glad you had it done b/c then you'll know exactly where you stand with

breathing and this helps to decide if you need treatment and what types of

treatment(s) will help you. The bottom line is not to worry about it.

Gen

[Guest guest]

Hi Gen,

I have a peak flow meter from the dr's office.  Now my peak flow is low 300's.  I'm 59.  I need to know the peak flow of other ladies my age.  Is one peak flow meter better than another?

donach39

 

A peak flow test will tell the doctor how much air you are breathing in and out. How much you can breathe out is as important as how much air you can breathe in. I don't particularly like them but they are so valuable that you just won't be able to recieve the right treatment without one.

I have severe asthma and also emphysema, so I have other mixed problems with their own mixed reactions so I'm sure that for me those tests are a bit more difficult. For me, the peak flow tests makes me cough and wheeze, it can actually set off an asthma attack for me because for me, asthma is most often exercise induced and I think the work done with the peak flow meter at least for me mimics exercise. If I remember right, and it's been almost 2 years since I had a test done, they did it first without and then with my rescue inhaler. But the important thing is you are in safe hands and resecue inhaler is right there.

You'll be glad you had it done b/c then you'll know exactly where you stand with breathing and this helps to decide if you need treatment and what types of treatment(s) will help you. The bottom line is not to worry about it.

Gen

[Guest guest]

Are you referring to a full spirometry? I am assuming you are. I have had several. They can be a bit challenging. First you have to be off of your meds. That can be challenging all on its own, but then you have to blow. You have to get 3 blows that are very close to each other in force. It is not hard or scary, but the blowing can be a bit uncomfortable. It always tires me. I generally have to take a nap afterwards.MadelineTo: asthma Sent: Sat, January 1, 2011 7:14:10 PMSubject: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Hello group,

I'm scheduled to take a peak flow test.

Can someone tell me what to expect?

Thanks.

donachi39

[Guest guest]

Hi Madeline,

Sounds like it could lead to an asthma atack.

I'm scheduled for a PFT. I'm pretty sure it is a full spirometry.donachi39

 

Are you referring to a full spirometry?  I am assuming you are.  I have had several.  They can be a bit challenging.  First you have to be off of your meds.  That can be challenging all on its own, but then you have to blow.  You have to get 3 blows that are very close to each other in force.  It is not hard or scary, but the blowing can be a bit uncomfortable.  It always tires me.  I generally have to take a nap afterwards.

Madeline

To: asthma

Sent: Sat, January 1, 2011 7:14:10 PMSubject: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

 

Hello group,

I'm scheduled to take a peak flow test.

Can someone tell me what to expect?

Thanks.

donachi39

[Guest guest]

Here is a chart for figuring out your predicted peak flow

http://www.sh.lsuhsc.edu/fammed/OutpatientManual/PeakFlowTables.htm

>

> >

> >

> >

> > A peak flow test will tell the doctor how much air you are breathing in and

> > out. How much you can breathe out is as important as how much air you can

> > breathe in.

> >

> > I don't particularly like them but they are so valuable that you just won't

> > be able to recieve the right treatment without one.

> >

> > I have severe asthma and also emphysema, so I have other mixed problems

> > with their own mixed reactions so I'm sure that for me those tests are a bit

> > more difficult. For me, the peak flow tests makes me cough and wheeze, it

> > can actually set off an asthma attack for me because for me, asthma is most

> > often exercise induced and I think the work done with the peak flow meter at

> > least for me mimics exercise. If I remember right, and it's been almost 2

> > years since I had a test done, they did it first without and then with my

> > rescue inhaler. But the important thing is you are in safe hands and resecue

> > inhaler is right there.

> >

> > You'll be glad you had it done b/c then you'll know exactly where you stand

> > with breathing and this helps to decide if you need treatment and what types

> > of treatment(s) will help you. The bottom line is not to worry about it.

> >

> > Gen

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, willothewispl here. Oh, those tests make me laugh. Everytime I have to take one of those tests, I start laughing when I blow into the tube, I don't know why I do this, but, I do, makes for a very hard test, not to mention the embarrassment when the technician gets pissed, because they think you are just fooling around. I think it is a nervous reaction of some sort, does anyone else have that problem? No joking.From: DD SSS

To: asthma Sent: Sun, January 2, 2011 10:44:27 PMSubject: Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Hi Madeline,

Sounds like it could lead to an asthma atack.

I'm scheduled for a PFT. I'm pretty sure it is a full spirometry.donachi39

Are you referring to a full spirometry? I am assuming you are. I have had several. They can be a bit challenging. First you have to be off of your meds. That can be challenging all on its own, but then you have to blow. You have to get 3 blows that are very close to each other in force. It is not hard or scary, but the blowing can be a bit uncomfortable. It always tires me. I generally have to take a nap afterwards.

Madeline

To: asthma

Sent: Sat, January 1, 2011 7:14:10 PMSubject: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Hello group,

I'm scheduled to take a peak flow test.

Can someone tell me what to expect?

Thanks.

donachi39

[Guest guest]

Peak flows vary by person. The best way to find out what YOU should be getting is to do peak flow readings on your meter for 2 weeks. You should do 3 readings 2x a day (thats what I was told anyway) and take the best of the 3 readings as your peak flow. After about 2 weeks of this you should have a good idea of where your range is at consistently. The highest is your personal best. 50%-80% of your best is what would be called your yellow zone. This is implying that you might be starting to flare and this is when you should take action to prevent it from escalating. Less than 50% of your best is when you should definitely be on the phone with the doc or on the way to the ER.

Age, location, severity of the asthma and any underlying issues a person may have are all factors in peak flows and this is why they vary so much.

Good luck

ann

Re: Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Hi Gen,

I have a peak flow meter from the dr's office. Now my peak flow is low 300's. I'm 59. I need to know the peak flow of other ladies my age. Is one peak flow meter better than another?

donach39

A peak flow test will tell the doctor how much air you are breathing in and out. How much you can breathe out is as important as how much air you can breathe in.

I don't particularly like them but they are so valuable that you just won't be able to recieve the right treatment without one.

I have severe asthma and also emphysema, so I have other mixed problems with their own mixed reactions so I'm sure that for me those tests are a bit more difficult. For me, the peak flow tests makes me cough and wheeze, it can actually set off an asthma attack for me because for me, asthma is most often exercise induced and I think the work done with the peak flow meter at least for me mimics exercise. If I remember right, and it's been almost 2 years since I had a test done, they did it first without and then with my rescue inhaler. But the important thing is you are in safe hands and resecue inhaler is right there.

You'll be glad you had it done b/c then you'll know exactly where you stand with breathing and this helps to decide if you need treatment and what types of treatment(s) will help you. The bottom line is not to worry about it.

Gen

[Guest guest]

Hi willothewispl,

I laugh at inappropriate times also.  I hope I don't during the test.

donachi39

 

Hi, willothewispl here.  Oh, those tests make me laugh.  Everytime I have to take one of those tests, I start laughing when I blow into the tube, I don't know why I do this, but, I do, makes for a very hard test, not to mention the embarrassment when the technician gets pissed, because they think you are just fooling around.  I think it is a nervous reaction of some sort, does anyone else have that problem? No joking.

To: asthma

Sent: Sun, January 2, 2011 10:44:27 PMSubject: Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

 

Hi Madeline,

Sounds like it could lead to an asthma atack.

I'm scheduled for a PFT. I'm pretty sure it is a full spirometry.donachi39

 

Are you referring to a full spirometry?  I am assuming you are.  I have had several.  They can be a bit challenging.  First you have to be off of your meds.  That can be challenging all on its own, but then you have to blow.  You have to get 3 blows that are very close to each other in force.  It is not hard or scary, but the blowing can be a bit uncomfortable.  It always tires me.  I generally have to take a nap afterwards.

Madeline

To: asthma

Sent: Sat, January 1, 2011 7:14:10 PMSubject: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

 

Hello group,

I'm scheduled to take a peak flow test.

Can someone tell me what to expect?

Thanks.

donachi39

[Guest guest]

I bet that doctors vary on the have to be off your meds policy. The ones around here want to see if your score improves when you have an albuterol or whatever treatment, which might work better for someone with severe persistent asthma.

Yours,Villandra ThorsdottirAustin, Texas

Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Hello group,

I'm scheduled to take a peak flow test.

Can someone tell me what to expect?

Thanks.

donachi39

[Guest guest]

My allergist has given me two peak flow tests where you blow into the machine

and it registers a number. I don't think he really cared whether I was taking

medication or not, since he never asked, but I did volunteer that the first time

I was not, and the second time I was. As far as I know, he never indicated what

my peak flow was, but I suspect I could find it in copies of old chart notes

from my primary care doctor somewhere in my file.

As an aside, my daughter did an exercise in a high school science class where

they blew up a special balloon and then computed their lung capacity. Her

teacher was shocked that she scored higher than the boys in the class, and asked

her to do it again, thinking she had done something wrong. The second time she

tested higher, and then to calm his confusion, commented that it might help him

to know that she played the tuba in the band.

I know my breathing is always better when I sing in choir at church. Learning

to hold notes and not breathe in the wrong places is like doing lung exercises.

I'm pretty sure I'd never make it as a tuba player though...

[Guest guest]

Matt Thanks for that chart. Im curious though...is this what we are 'supposed' to achieve at home or on the spirometry done in the doc's office? IF its at home, my predicted is only 387 but if I was that low, Id be in my red zone. Am I missing something here?

Thanks agian

Ann

Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Here is a chart for figuring out your predicted peak flow

http://www.sh.lsuhsc.edu/fammed/OutpatientManual/PeakFlowTables.htm

>

> >

> >

> >

> > A peak flow test will tell the doctor how muct.h air you are breathing in and

> > out. How much you can breathe out is as important as how much air you can

> > breathe in.

> >

> > I don't particularly like them but they are so valuable that you just won't

> > be able to recieve the right treatment without one.

> >

> > I have severe asthma and also emphysema, so I have other mixed problems

> > with their own mixed reactions so I'm sure that for me those tests are a bit

> > more difficult. For me, the peak flow tests makes me cough and wheeze, it

> > can actually set off an asthma attack for me because for me, asthma is most

> > often exercise induced and I think the work done with the peak flow meter at

> > least for me mimics exercise. If I remember right, and it's been almost 2

> > years since I had a test done, they did it first without and then with my

> > rescue inhaler. But the important thing is you are in safe hands and resecue

> > inhaler is right there.

> >

> > You'll be glad you had it done b/c then you'll know exactly where you stand

> > with breathing and this helps to decide if you need treatment and what types

> > of treatment(s) will help you. The bottom line is not to worry about it.

> >

> > Gen

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Definitely agree that the charts are only a guide, and that a few weeks of your own readings is a better way of finding out what you should be aiming for. According to the tables I should be getting about 430 (I'm 25, and about 167cm), but my personal best is about 530, normally about 510. But then one of my friends who is the same age and just a bit shorter than me can only get about 400, and she has milder asthma than me too.JennTha can tek t'lass outta Yorkshire...! Don't brand me, don't classify me, don't tell me what to wear. I'll be who I

want to be, and I'm proud to be me.

A peak flow test will tell the doctor how much air you are breathing in and out. How much you can breathe out is as important as how much air you can breathe in.

I don't particularly like them but they are so valuable that you just won't be able to recieve the right treatment without one.

I have severe asthma and also emphysema, so I have other mixed problems with their own mixed reactions so I'm sure that for me those tests are a bit more difficult. For me, the peak flow tests makes me cough and wheeze, it can actually set off an asthma attack for me because for me, asthma is most often exercise induced and I think the work done with the peak flow meter at least for me mimics exercise. If I remember right, and it's been almost 2 years since I had a test done, they did it first without and then with my rescue inhaler. But the important thing is you are in safe hands and resecue inhaler is right there.

You'll be glad you had it done b/c then you'll know exactly where you stand with breathing and this helps to decide if you need treatment and what types of treatment(s) will help you. The bottom line is not to worry about it.

Gen

[Guest guest]

The last time I had one it wore me out!To: asthma Sent: Sun, January 2, 2011 9:43:54 PMSubject: Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Are you referring to a full spirometry? I am assuming you are. I have had several. They can be a bit challenging. First you have to be off of your meds. That can be challenging all on its own, but then you have to blow. You have to get 3 blows that are very close to each other in force. It is not hard or scary, but the blowing can be a bit uncomfortable. It always tires me. I generally have to take a nap afterwards.MadelineTo:

asthma Sent: Sat, January 1, 2011 7:14:10 PMSubject: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Hello group,

I'm scheduled to take a peak flow test.

Can someone tell me what to expect?

Thanks.

donachi39

[Guest guest]

I blow a good bit more than mine on that chart too. I'd be in low yellow with the number for my age and height.To: asthma Sent: Mon, January 3, 2011 11:15:48 AMSubject: Re: Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Matt Thanks for that chart. Im curious though...is this what we are 'supposed' to achieve at home or on the spirometry done in the doc's office? IF its at home, my predicted is only 387 but if I was that low, Id be in my red zone. Am I missing something here?

Thanks agian

Ann

Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Here is a chart for figuring out your predicted peak flow

http://www.sh.lsuhsc.edu/fammed/OutpatientManual/PeakFlowTables.htm

>

> >

> >

> >

> > A peak flow test will tell the doctor how muct.h air you are breathing in and

> > out. How much you can breathe out is as important as how much air you can

> > breathe in.

> >

> > I don't particularly like them but they are so valuable that you just won't

> > be able to recieve the right treatment without one.

> >

> > I have severe asthma and also emphysema, so I have other mixed problems

> > with their own mixed reactions so I'm sure that for me those tests are a bit

> > more difficult. For me, the peak flow tests makes me cough and wheeze, it

> > can actually set off an asthma attack for me because for me, asthma is most

> > often exercise induced and I think the work done with the peak flow meter at

> > least for me mimics exercise. If I remember right, and it's been almost 2

> > years since I had a test done, they did it first without and then with my

> > rescue inhaler. But the important thing is you are in safe hands and resecue

> > inhaler is right there.

> >

> > You'll be glad you had it done b/c then you'll know exactly where you stand

> > with breathing and this helps to decide if you need treatment and what types

> > of treatment(s) will help you. The bottom line is not to worry about it.

> >

> > Gen

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

You have to be careful in the time period leading up to the test. Generally you have to stop meds such as singulair for 24 hours, symbicort or advair 24 hours, and albuterol for 6 hours. So, if the test is in the afternoon you can do a treatment first thing in the morning. During the test you do the first set of blows then they give you an albuterol treatment. Then you repeat the tests so your doctor can tell your response to the bronchodialator. So the time during and after the test there really isn't a problem. I just seclude myself the day of to prevent any accidental exposures to any triggers. MadelineTo: asthma Sent: Sun, January 2, 2011 10:44:27 PMSubject: Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Hi Madeline,

Sounds like it could lead to an asthma atack.

I'm scheduled for a PFT. I'm pretty sure it is a full spirometry.donachi39

Are you referring to a full spirometry? I am assuming you are. I have had several. They can be a bit challenging. First you have to be off of your meds. That can be challenging all on its own, but then you have to blow. You have to get 3 blows that are very close to each other in force. It is not hard or scary, but the blowing can be a bit uncomfortable. It always tires me. I generally have to take a nap afterwards.

Madeline

To: asthma

Sent: Sat, January 1, 2011 7:14:10 PMSubject: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Hello group,

I'm scheduled to take a peak flow test.

Can someone tell me what to expect?

Thanks.

donachi39

[Guest guest]

Hi Villandra,

I can not take Singulair or Advair 6 hours before my appointment. My appontment is at 9:30a. I take my last medication at 7a  and 6p, before the appointment the next day at 9:30a. I've read there is alot of fast inhaling and exhaling breathing.  I think I will need my rescue inhaler after that. I haven't used my rescue inhaler in 6 weeks.  I think this is probably a worse test than the stress test.  I don't think I'll need my rescue inhaler or nebulizer treatment after the stress test.

donachi39

 

I bet that doctors vary on the have to be off your meds policy.  The ones around here want to see if your score improves when you have an albuterol or whatever treatment, which might work better for someone with severe persistent asthma.

 

Yours,Villandra ThorsdottirAustin, Texas

Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

 

Hello group,

I'm scheduled to take a peak flow test.

Can someone tell me what to expect?

Thanks.

donachi39

[Guest guest]

Well, you probably won't, I eventually got over it, it was all so new to me, and I am a somewhat silly person at times anyway, so I wouldn't worry about it, you will probably do just fine, I hope you do. I will say a prayer for you so you won't laugh. LOL.To: asthma Sent: Mon, January 3,

2011 7:41:27 AMSubject: Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Hi willothewispl,

I laugh at inappropriate times also. I hope I don't during the test.

donachi39

Hi, willothewispl here. Oh, those tests make me laugh. Everytime I have to take one of those tests, I start laughing when I blow into the tube, I don't know why I do this, but, I do, makes for a very hard test, not to mention the embarrassment when the technician gets pissed, because they think you are just fooling around. I think it is a nervous reaction of some sort, does anyone else have that problem? No joking.

To: asthma

Sent: Sun, January 2, 2011 10:44:27 PMSubject: Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Hi Madeline,

Sounds like it could lead to an asthma atack.

I'm scheduled for a PFT. I'm pretty sure it is a full spirometry.donachi39

Are you referring to a full spirometry? I am assuming you are. I have had several. They can be a bit challenging. First you have to be off of your meds. That can be challenging all on its own, but then you have to blow. You have to get 3 blows that are very close to each other in force. It is not hard or scary, but the blowing can be a bit uncomfortable. It always tires me. I generally have to take a nap afterwards.

Madeline

To: asthma

Sent: Sat, January 1, 2011 7:14:10 PMSubject: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

Hello group,

I'm scheduled to take a peak flow test.

Can someone tell me what to expect?

Thanks.

donachi39

[Guest guest]

Hi Willothewispl,

Thanks

donachi39

 

Well, you probably won't, I eventually got over it, it was all so new to me, and I am a somewhat silly person at times anyway, so I wouldn't worry about it, you will probably do just fine, I hope you do.  I will say a prayer for you so you won't laugh. LOL.

To: asthma

Sent: Mon, January 3, 2011 7:41:27 AM

Subject: Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

 

Hi willothewispl,

I laugh at inappropriate times also.  I hope I don't during the test.

donachi39

 

Hi, willothewispl here.  Oh, those tests make me laugh.  Everytime I have to take one of those tests, I start laughing when I blow into the tube, I don't know why I do this, but, I do, makes for a very hard test, not to mention the embarrassment when the technician gets pissed, because they think you are just fooling around.  I think it is a nervous reaction of some sort, does anyone else have that problem? No joking.

To: asthma

Sent: Sun, January 2, 2011 10:44:27 PMSubject: Re: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

 

Hi Madeline,

Sounds like it could lead to an asthma atack.

I'm scheduled for a PFT. I'm pretty sure it is a full spirometry.donachi39

 

Are you referring to a full spirometry?  I am assuming you are.  I have had several.  They can be a bit challenging.  First you have to be off of your meds.  That can be challenging all on its own, but then you have to blow.  You have to get 3 blows that are very close to each other in force.  It is not hard or scary, but the blowing can be a bit uncomfortable.  It always tires me.  I generally have to take a nap afterwards.

Madeline

To: asthma

Sent: Sat, January 1, 2011 7:14:10 PMSubject: Anyone taken a Peak Flow test?

 

Hello group,

I'm scheduled to take a peak flow test.

Can someone tell me what to expect?

Thanks.

donachi39