Peak Flow Reading

[Smowball]

I’m asthmatic but haven’t had an attack for years, just wheezy when I feel rough. Usual peak flow reading for me is 280(no idea if that’s good or bad). Last 3 days I’ve really struggled breathing/wheezing, worse than I have for years. My chest is whistling and rattling - he can hear me sat opposite me on another sofa! I did my peak flow this eve and it’s 190. Shud I just increase my inhalers? I have tried ringing local surgery etc etc but no joy.

[barry1010]

Are you getting any relief when you use your inhaler?
Are you also using a preventative inhaler?
Do you feel ill?

[Smowball]

I feel really short of breath, the inhaler helps for a minute or so, then I go back to how I felt. This isn’t usual for me so I’m at a bit of a loss.

[rowanwitch]

The usual threshold for calling 999 or going to A & E if someone can take you quickly is 150, or if you are showing signs of blueing at your extremities or lips , or are using muscles you wouldn't normally use to breathe. I would call 111 at anything below 200 regardless . Use your salbutamol as often as you need but if it stops helping its another reason to call 111

[Smowball]

Thanks Rowan,I will xx

[rowanwitch]

If it's unusual for you and the salbutamol isn't helping I think it's better to err on the side of caution and if you can't get through on 111 call 999

[barry1010]

How you doing now, smow?

[Smowball]

Ahh Thanku Barry - it’s not much better tbh, I keep thinking what have I done different but it’s nothing.

[Smowball]

How are you? X

[barry1010]

I'm tickety boo, thanks.
With your peak flow so low you really should call 111 or whatever the number is.

[rowanwitch]

Are you feeling better this morning?

[jourdain2]

Smow ... My peak flow is 360/380 normally. My Asthma Care plan tells me that if it is less than 250 is should take 2 puffs of reliever every 4 hours. Take rescue steroid tablets if I have them (I haven't) and if I don't improve within 24 hours I should see my GP within 24 hours.

IF my peak flow drops below 200/180:-
take 2 puffs of reliever -
if no better 2 more puffs (1 at a time) every 2 minutes - up to 10 puffs -
if still no better call 999--- if feel better see GP or asthma nurse same day.
Take rescue steroid tabs & see GP within 24 hrs..

If you scale down the figures this may help you work out what to do. I really hope that by now you are much better and don't need this. x