I used to have asthma, which i grew out of 13 years ago. However, i had bronchitis last October and since then have had a dry cough on and off. I measured my peak flow and it's 450. Going by the chart, it should be about 500. Should i be worried?

Worried? No. Conerned anout to go to the doctor and get tested? Yes. I have asthma and it's never "worried" me...but I do afford it proper concern....

I don't really know if i'm reading the chart right. Is there an online chart i could look at, which tells you what it should be for your age and height?

I've just found an online chart and i think it should be 490. So is it normal to have it 40 below what it should be if you're not asthmatic?

I would say if it keeps you from doing things you normally would do or impacts your quality of life, get it checked out. The charts are not foolproof...everyone is different and your physician can help clarify that for you. I'm 5'2", 59 years old, have a very mild case of asthma, use flovent every day and albuterol before I jog (2 miles almost every day) and the best I can get is around 390....and it does not concern me in the least! I do what I want, my doc says I'm doing fine...end of story...

Titchou is right. Everyone is different. I am female, 5'4", 49 years old and my peak flow is typically around 460. Sometimes it can be up to around 520 though. If I am sick with bronchitis or a cold, it can go down to 350 and I don't feel so good then.

Titchou is right. Everyone is different. I am female, 5'4", 49 years old and my peak flow is typically around 460. Sometimes it can be up to around 520 though. If I am sick with bronchitis or a cold, it can go down to 350 and I don't feel so good then.

Thanks guys.

520 sounds good. Are you asthmatic, Howitt44?

The allergist says I am. I actually have been diagnosed by two allergy/asthma specialists. My small airways are my main problem. I have seasonal problems, but some of it is chronic also. However, I do not have typical asthma symptoms such as wheezing, problems in the winter with cold air, asthma attacks of sudden breathlessness, or problems sleeping (ever). I take Advair daily. It is an inhaled steroid. Sometimes I forget and I was without my prescription for one week once, and my peak flow dropped to about 400. But if I take my medicine like I should my peak flow stays really good unless I'm sick. Asthma is certainly a learning experience.

I never cared for peak flow meters much. I would be struggling to breath and the asthma specialist would say that I'm in range. I remember years ago there was another type where you had to inhale and float a ball. My inhale is not nearly as good as my exhale.
Nancy

As an asthmatic of almost 21 years now, I would have to agree with the others. You peak flow is determined by evaluations given by your doctor based on the criteria in your chart. For example, my highest peak flow score is 520 Green and lowest in the red/yellow line is 200.

I can never get my peak flow to what the chart says, and yes, I'm asthmatic, but I still consider myself in good control since I feel like I'm breathing fine. Charts say I should be 490, but I average about 400. As long as I feel like I can breath, I'm not concerned. Should I be? Maybe. I would not be conscerned with 40 below your target.

I can never get my peak flow to what the chart says, and yes, I'm asthmatic, but I still consider myself in good control since I feel like I'm breathing fine. Charts say I should be 490, but I average about 400. As long as I feel like I can breath, I'm not concerned. Should I be? Maybe. I would not be conscerned with 40 below your target.
If you're in the Green then, you're alright. The only time you should be concerned is when you get down in the yellow zone.

I still don't truly understand how my peak flow can be so good and when I have the lung function test done, they say my small airways are really low. I always fell fine unless the pollen and wind are really out of control. Sometimes certain perfumes bother me, but other than that I never get below 450 unless I'm sick and even then I've never gone below 400.

I still don't truly understand how my peak flow can be so good and when I have the lung function test done, they say my small airways are really low. I always fell fine unless the pollen and wind are really out of control. Sometimes certain perfumes bother me, but other than that I never get below 450 unless I'm sick and even then I've never gone below 400.
My asthma is similiar to yours. My allergies tend to affect my asthma alot as well. So, I know what you're going throught especially in this season. :bouncing:

Viruses and illness along with allergies affect my Asthma also. My peak flow should be 500 but I've had it as low as 60 (had to go in hospital at the time). I dont check my flow regularly but its usually between 250-350. I'm on 3 different inhalers(one steriod) and 19 years old.

Sometimes you cant rely on peak flow. You can be puffing and panting and the nurse can say "thats very good and in normal range." You can also be feeling great with yor Asthma and have a low peak flow.

If your peak flow goes below 400 or you're having any symptoms, then see your doctor for a Asthma check. Otherwise I wouldn't worry. :)

Ok, thank you!

Viruses and illness along with allergies affect my Asthma also. My peak flow should be 500 but I've had it as low as 60 (had to go in hospital at the time). I dont check my flow regularly but its usually between 250-350. I'm on 3 different inhalers(one steriod) and 19 years old.

Sometimes you cant rely on peak flow. You can be puffing and panting and the nurse can say "thats very good and in normal range." You can also be feeling great with yor Asthma and have a low peak flow.

If your peak flow goes below 400 or you're having any symptoms, then see your doctor for a Asthma check. Otherwise I wouldn't worry. :)
I have found the times that your peak flows have been unreliable has been
on occasion that I've had sinus problems.

I have found the times that your peak flows have been unreliable has been
on occasion that I've had sinus problems.

I agree. Peak flow reading can be unreliable but a low peak flow still needs checking out.Shakiras peakflow is okay at the moment but if you have a peak flow that is between 350-400 then, get it checked out. Also if you're having symptoms and you're peakflow is normal, see your doctor.

My peak flow is rarely above 300 and drops below that every time I get a cold (which 9 times out of 10 turns into Broncitus or Phnemonia ).I find it really useful in
alerting me that it's time to get my butt to the doctor .I'm 35 ,5'8(chubby) and female I think the green zone for me is 450 + . But honestly I do find the PFM a really good source of how I'm doing on a day to day so I guess it really depends on the person.

I'm starting to think that a peakflow isn't very reliable. I was at the doctors yesterday morning with a bad, chest cough and wheezing. My peakflow was 150 at first and she made me redo the peakflow until it was 300. I couldn't get it above that. I'm on antibiotics now and been given another asthma medication, singulair 10mg. So far no change but I've only just started it so I'll give it time. :)

Sometimes my third peak flow reading is my best! You have to remember you have to give it your all when you blow. Sometimes though my first reading is the best and it goes downhill after that. It makes you wonder if blowing out really hard causing a little asthma spasm. My doctor does measure my peak flow but she doesn't rely on it. She said someone in really good shape and diagphram muscles can do well on a peak flow test.

Sometimes my third peak flow reading is my best! You have to remember you have to give it your all when you blow. Sometimes though my first reading is the best and it goes downhill after that. It makes you wonder if blowing out really hard causing a little asthma spasm. My doctor does measure my peak flow but she doesn't rely on it. She said someone in really good shape and diagphram muscles can do well on a peak flow test.

I'm the same. My final peakflow reading is usually my best. Its weird when your puffing and panting and your peakflow is okay. :bouncing:

My first is always my best,unless i've taken my puffer and it hits me before the next reading (which does happen occasionally).