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Normal Peak Flow Rate For Me?

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Posted 4/14/2007 12:55 PM (GMT -6)
im 21 year old male 120-130 lbs 5'4" my usual peak flow reading i get is between 450-500 sometimes a little less then 450 i was just wondering if this is good for my age and size i dont have insurance right now and i bought the peak flow my self so i havnt spoke to a dr on what my normal should be thats why im asking here so your response would be greatly apreciated
Posted 4/14/2007 3:12 PM (GMT -6)
Sounds low to me. I have severe asthma and my peak is 400 and I am older than you and female. Sound low to anyone else??
Posted 4/14/2007 3:32 PM (GMT -6)
when i went to the dr and the er last month er my peakflow was 450 and he said it was normal dr visit was about the same only reason im asking cause the past few days on and off i feel shortness of breath like i have to either take a deep breath or like gasp for air and feel a little tightness or pressure in my chest nothing extreme during all this time my peak flow has been 450-500 im not wheezing the only time i hear some what of a wheeze if im looking for it like if i breath out really hard..i dunno if somehow im hyperventilating on and off for days or something about a week ago i started sneezing runny nose stuffiness had headaches dont know if it was allergies or a cold but then once that all seem to go away this breathing issue kicked in..now when i went to the er twice this past 2 months ive felt similar to this and they found nothing wrong they did a chest xray each time ekg blood and urine and one time did the peak flow and everything was fine
Posted 4/17/2007 1:37 PM (GMT -6)
Dear Iamloco: I'm a respiratory therapist & asthma instructor. Each person is an individual and there really isn't a "set" reading even though in your peak flow box you will find a packet w/settings. I'll give you an example. For me, I do 600 - 650 easy, I'm 5'4", 128 lbs, don't smoke or drink and have no hx of respirtory problems. Someone who smokes even though they weigh the same & is the same age will not have the same reading. By smoking they are damaging their lungs. I also do routine breathing exercises just to keep lungs in good shape. Therefore, on a day that you think is a "good" day with no breathing problems (no signs of asthma or allergy symptoms & no other sickness), this is the day to set your peak flow meter. Stand (not sit) tall, take in a deep breath, and breathe out fast and as hard as you can in one hard blow. Do it 3 times. The best one will be your base line. After that, each time when you feel you need to take it, make certain you stand and do exactly as you did when you set the meter. Whether you stand or sit makes a difference in an accurate reading. Hope this info helps. The American Lung Association has some pamphlets if you need further info.

Good luck!

Info meant for educational purposes & not as med advice.
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