Late Adult Onset
I was a competitive swimmer for 6+ years and play bass trombone in a number of music groups/orchestras, big bands and other smaller groups. I have been active my whole adult life. I developed multiple sinus infections and was diagnosed with asthma four years ago. I've had allergies and postnasal drip combined with reflux off and on.
I am now on medications but still suffer from seasonal and environmental flareups. It has severely limited my swimming due to sensitivity to chlorine.
Probably due to the horn playing and swimming, my peak flow is easily 800, with minimal effort. When I'm having a flareup, at worst, it would be in the low 500's. Is there a better way to measure my best peak flow? Has anyone had similar problems?
Hi Chris and thanks for sharing your story here with the community. You have certainly come to the right place as we are a community that is focused on every aspect asthma. Since you shared that you have several diagnoses (asthma, reflux, allergies and sinus issues), are you being treated for each one? Or, is the treatment primarily based on symptoms when they occur?I am being treated for all. The reflux is under control. I see a pulmonologist and ENT as well as my primary. I've had two sinus surgeries for impacted sinuses. My flareups are due to the usual stimulants, dust, pollen and mold.
Hi again, Chris, and thanks for your response and further explanation. I see looking at my initial reply to you, that (for some whacky reason), it was not uploaded completely.
I had made reference to your peak flow measurements, which you shared here with the community. A peak flow of 800 lpm is exemplary by anyone's standards - it reveals there is no compromise during the exhalation phase of respiration. Now, a peak flow of 500 lpm, especially during a flare-up, although compromised for your normal measurement, is still considered to be a normal peak flow rate.
As you surmised, I would also say that these flow rates for your particular level of disease, are reflective of your professional experience using a brass instrument (the trombone), as well as your experience and training as a swimmer.
Are you being followed by a physician? Have you had an opportunity to discuss your concerns with him/her?
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
I am seeing a physician for the asthma and have explained the peak flow readings. One of the assistants that was giving monthly shots said he had another patient with the same readings which he attributed to her being an opera singer. After the first blow, the readings are in the mid 600s to low 700's. This is with congestion. In one respect I have been lucky to have had many years of good lung health; it's trying to learn about this now.
Thank youThat's great to hear, Chris - Tuesday is not that far off!
Good luck! If you don't mind, please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
Regards,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)OK
Thank you. I lake swim and can usually do it until mid to late September here. I've considered getting a wet suit to extend it another month. I also spent many hours in the ocean off Cape Cod, but the arrival of the sharks hastened my departure. Have you considered a wet suit?
hi, yes I can understand why sharks may have put you off! Beautiful creatures but not so sure I'd swim next to one!
I have a wetsuit, but prefer to feel the water on my skin. I think the idea of cold water swimming is to go in without the wetsuit and have stuff to warm up with once out - standing on a hot water bottle, hot drink, dry robe. I understand the benefits cone from being in cold water.
