Peak Flow Meter

[blindhearted]

I was wondering if anyone here uses a peak-flow meter? if so, what kind? how well does it work? what does it measure? I've seen some online (allergy asthma technology) that say they measure FEV1s (digital kind). I was looking into them, but I don't know if it would be a good idea or not since they are mostly advertised for asthma. I dont know if they would work the same from CFers, even though asthmas and CF both deal with the lungs.

 

[EnergyGal]

A peak flow meter tells you only the force vital capacity I believe. For asthmatics it is good because if they use it regularly it gives them an idea if they are approaching an asthma attack. Again it is all about trends. Keeping records on trends is so important.

 

[blindhearted]

So, recommended or not?

 

[luke]

Danyell,

Most Peak flow meters show peak flow and not FEV1(there is a difference). People with asthma will use it to track the changes due to bronchospam so they will know when to get treated. I will use me for an example, my peak flow is normal, it is my FEV1 that is crappy so those basic meters won't don't anything for me. If the hand held actually reads FEV1 you could use it for tracking to see when you are gettting sick so I guess it would be useful. My only recommendation is if you get it not to get hooked on the numbers...as you know some days you feel like you can conquor the world but your PFT's suck and others are just the opposite.

Luke

 

[Diane]

I have a peak flow meter. It is called " Personal Best peak flow meter" I LOVE that thing. I got it from my nurse at the cf clinic . What i do with it is........... at night i use my flutter first, then the peak flow meter. I keep a record in my mind what my averages are plus this thing also has little arrow markers you can use for your best and worst scores. When i use it after using the flutter it ALWAYS helps me cough out some crap. If i use it without using the flutter sometimes it helps me cough stuff out and sometimes not depending on how much is down in my lungs. Either way i am able to see when my numbers go down and its time for a change in treatment or medication. I also can see when things are going better as my numbers rise to normal after being sick. I know its not a foolproof way to guage things all the time, but it does give me piece of mind when im not feeling my best , but my numbers are steady, and it also helps me bring up some stuff that needs to come out. Me personally .... i would recommend it . It cant hurt and it may help ( with bringing stuff up) so why not? Just dont rely totally on it to give you an accurate measure of your lung status .