Asthma
Asthma is a long-term condition affecting children and adults. The air passages in the lungs become narrow due to inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the small airways. This causes asthma symptoms: cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and chest tightness
- Adult-Onset Asthma.
- Allergic Asthma.
- Asthma-COPD Overlap.
- Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)
- Nonallergic Asthma.
- Occupational Asthma.
Spirometry. This is the recommended test to confirm asthma. During this test, you breathe into a mouthpiece that's connected to a device, called a spirometer, or to a laptop. It measures the amount of air you're able to breathe in and out and its rate of flow.
Spirometry tests are used to diagnose these conditions: COPD. asthma. restrictive lung disease (such as interstitial pulmonary fibrosis)
Normal adult peak flow scores range between around 400 and 700 litres per minute, although scores in older women can be lower and still be normal. The most important thing is whether your score is normal for you.
A peak flow meter is a portable, inexpensive, hand-held device used to measure how air flows from your lungs in one "fast blast." In other words, the meter measures your ability to push air out of your lungs. Peak flow meters come in two ranges to measure the air pushed out of your lungs
If your airways are tight and inflamed, your peak flow score will be lower than normal. This could be a sign your asthma is getting worse. See your GP if: you're having symptoms, or need to use your reliever inhaler three or more times a week, even if your peak flow scores are normal.