Peak flow meters are an important tool to help manage your asthma and avoid asthma flares and attacks. Find out how a peak flow meter can help you to stay healthy and alert you to worsening asthma symptoms.

Asthma and Peak Flow Meters

Just used mine it almost reached the 250 mark

Hi Rosie L,
It's great to hear you're using your peak flow meter. What's your personal best? The reading you have sounds pretty low.

I very rarely go over 250
Unless I'm on Prednisone
I use 3 inhalers every day
Pulmicort, Servent Diskus, and Pro Air
250 is a normal for me
Wish i could do better

I'm sorry to hear you have such hard asthma. It sounds like you're taking everything you can to at least keep it at the 250 level. Do you have to take prednisone very often? I have to take it several times a year due to allergies and other autoimmune conditions.

Do you have a time of year that's worse for your asthma? Mine's pretty much year-round, and is pretty sensitive. Sometimes I wear an I Can Breathe allergy mask--that helps alot!

Yes i have to take Prednisone often
I've also developed Osteoporosis from it fractured ribs just from coughing also broke my leg
I've been using a nebulizer 3 to 4 times aday
I have asthma all year round, Had it for about 52 years was about 12 when i was diagnosed
What is an Allergy Mask that you mention
Do you have pets that your allergic to
Stay well
Love the info you post it's very helpful

Hi Rosie,
Wow...I'm so sorry your asthma's so hard on you. It sounds like you're doing everything possible to manage your asthma. Osteoporosis is a common problem when we have to use so much prednisone and other steroids to manage our asthma. I can't imagine suffering a broken rib...I've coughed pretty hard, but have never broke a rib, as you have!

The allergy mask I've mentioned is made by a company called I Can Breathe. This mask helps me to travel and to have fewer symptoms during high pollen season. I don't know if this mask will be able to help you, but it is a lifesaver for me.

Yes, I do have pets I'm allergic to. Right now, I have gerbils, but the reside in our living room, not near our bedroom. That helps to keep down the level of allergens, and allows me to keep our little guys. We can't have a dog right now, though I would love to have one! I love all animals...and would love to have a houseful!

Do you have any pets?

I sure wish you all the best...and thanks for your compliment! It's always great to hear that readers are getting helpful information from the asthma articles!

Stay well and safe during this hard spring allergy season!

Sherry, just checked out the mask on the site you mention
I really should look into it, my house is dusty no matter how often i clean
I have a little boy (cat) named Asia
He believes he's human lol
Yup I'm allergic to him but he brings me joy in my life
I need him, we need each other
Oh by the way I believe it's been 76days I've been OTC Nasal spray FREE
I stopped using on Feb 16th
I'm still using 3 different prescription sprays and still sounding stuffy
My doctor said it will take several months
I hasn't been easy at all
I also wish you the best and thanks for all the great info

Hi Rosie,
I'm happy to hear you think the allergy mask might help you! It has made a huge difference in my life. I've even had people come up to me in the store and ask me where I got my mask. I live in Prague, Czech Republic, and wearing a mask there has some benefits--not only for allergies/asthma. If I wear my mask and ride on the tram or subway, everyone stays away from me, as they are afraid I'm sick with something contagious :0) Anyway, I hope the mask will help you--this mask has even been used by Olympic athletes.

Congrats on working to get off OTC nasal sprays! That's hard work. The rebound affect from those can be very hard to live with. Good luck with your work to come off those sprays! It does take time, but you'll eventually feel better.

Sometimes it seems we're on so many meds, but for some of us it's necessary. Staying on your asthma medication regimen is a real badge of honor! Many people are not consistent with their asthma meds, and then get sick more often and more seriously. It's hard, but you're doing great work!

Your kitty, Asia, sounds like a very lively fellow! Is he the cat in your picture here in the asthma forum? If so, he's also beautiful!

I've enjoyed our conversation very much. This forum is pretty quiet, and it's so nice to have someone to talk with here! I'm sure there's a lot of knowledge you can share with us here!

Take care and good luck with getting off the OTC sprays...keep up the good work you're doing!