peak flow meters

[loree147]

I have had asthma ruled out several times as the cause of my shortness of breath and dry cough. Now my pulmonologist wants me to use a peak flow meter according to a phone message I received. My appt is not for a few weeks so I wondered if this flow meter could be used for something other than asthma?

[loree147]

I have had PFT's done that were pretty much normal but I did have low lung volumes. I never heard of the sniff test. Interesting. Thanks.

[rwford]

Has your pulmonologist talked about a pulmonary function test and a sniff test? These will tell if you have a paralyzed diaphragm and how severe you breathing problem are. Also a chest x-ray will show if you diaphragm is elevated. I was misdiagnosed for 3 years until I found the right Dr. -Ross

[loree147]

I have noticed lately that I have been waking up quite early in the morning short of breath but once I get up for awhile, it goes away. I have been short of breath for awhile bending over, reaching up, lifting anything heavy. I usually can take a full deep breath unless I am walking. After walking for awhile, it feels like I can't expand my lungs to get air in.

[rwford]

Have you had any other symptoms such as hard to breath when laying flat on your back or shortness of breath when you bend over to tie your shoes? Do you find it difficult to take a full deep breath? -Ross