I took my peak flow reading at 4:00 this afternoon and after three good tries it was about 320-330. I know this is not a normal range (normal range for a 40 year old woman my size is 427), but exactly how bad is this reading? Could someone give me some comparisons?

Thank you.

But what is normal for YOU? That's the question. Everyone is different. Mine is around 325-350...I'm an almost 62 year old female, 5'2 and 110 pounds. I function fine at that level...there are too many variables for us to tell you what yours should be. It should be whatever it is when you feel great!

I've got my peak flow meter marked as to what number means I'm breathing well and feeling good, what number means I'm starting to go downhill a bit, and things bear watching, what number means I'm having trouble and should take action, and what number means a possible emergency room visit. Over time, you'll figure out your numbers. The peak flow meter is a good tool for letting you know how your breathing really is. Sometimes, we're a lot better than we feel, and sometimes we're a lot worse!

It absolutely depends on what's "normal" for you. My "normal" peak flow is around 300 - some days it's 270, others it's 320 (my highest). I do pretty well at that range except for hills or stairs. My recent PFT (Dec 14th) showed moderately severe obstruction (no change over the past 7 years) - I don't know the exact numbers. And NO, I have NEVER smoked so that's not a cause for the poor results. So, my asthma is not very reversible - hence my Dr's dx of chronic obstructive asthma.

Just FYI I'm an almost 62 yo female, 5'4", 150 # and have had asthma since age 6 months. My meds are Theophylline SR (sustained release) 400 mg every 12 hours, Symbicort 160/4.5 2 puffs every 12 hours and Spiriva once a day.

Hope all of you have a very Merry (and wheeze-free) Christmas and a safe, Happy and Healthy New Year!

Linda in SE Wisconsin

The other posters are right, it all depends on what is "normal" for you. My average is 450 to 500 (apparently high compared to most, but I still have asthma) so 320 for me would definately have me in to see the doctor.

Your doctor should have you chart (or do it on your own) for two weeks or so at the same time each day. Then you should go over it with your doctor to go over what is considered a "good" reading for you. They should also develop an action plan for you asthma stating at what point you should change your meds, at what point you should just go to the doctor, etc.

Hope that helps!
Andrea