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PEAK FLOW METER FOR ANXIETY

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 6/17/2014 9:25 AM (GMT 0)
Does anyone have a significant amount of knowledge about Peak Flow Meters? I know that they are used for those with asthma to monitor flare-ups or whatnot.

What I want to know is: if it feels like my chest is tight, I'm short of breath, it is hard to breathe and my Peak Flow reading is normal does that mean that I am breathing normally and can positively 100% attribute my breathing difficulties to anxiety and/or panic?
Posted 6/17/2014 9:52 AM (GMT 0)
If you can take a full breath in and out without incident then I'd say you are normal and you have nothing to worry about. It doesn't hurt to speak to your doctor though and be totally honest and they will normally check you out and put your mind at ease.

Just remember to not think about breathing as it's automatic and not something we need to control. I find talking on the phone or listening to music via headphones work best for not thinking about breathing.
Posted 6/17/2014 12:13 PM (GMT 0)
A peak expiratory flow rate is a fairly simple test done, usually as part of a comprehensive pulmonary function test procedure. By itself, a few minutes as one usually is instructed to do several attempts and the best result or average results recorded. A full set of pft's may take 30 minutes to an hour depending on factors like patient cooperation, quality of equipment etc.

 

Peakflow is based on your height and age.

 

Do you have a lung disease as it is usually feeling short of breath or having an asthma attack that is likely to cause panic?  Patient having severe asthma attacks need treatment and the peak flow is a great tool for Respiratory Care.

 

Big Breath and keep on working on ways to control your anxiety.  WE are here for you.

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