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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Peak Flow Meter Measures 570 Average. Habit Of Smoking. Possible Emphysema/copd?

Hi Dr. Samuel,

I have been smoking for 3 and a 1/2 years now, about a pack a day and worried about COPD/Emphysema.

I am 26, male, 180 lbs, 5'9". I am worried because I read about barrel chest and I am concerned that i have it. It is hard to tell, because my family is naturally stocky.

I have bought a peak flow meter and measure around 570 on average.

I am cutting down on smoking, but do you think I would have developed emphysema/copd at this point?

Thanks,

Ryan
Fri, 19 Jul 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi Ryan, Welcome to HCM

The information you have given is very limited to provide any advise. Generally, information from peak flow meter is more applicable in case of asthma than emphysema.

Regardless, the values obtained my measuring peak expiratory flow rate is more useful if it is compared between two or more time points. For example, in your case if you have measured 570 ml/min as your peak flow rate under normal resting conditions and you measure it again , say, after one week then the value obtained second time will be relative to the first time (570 ml/min). This will tell you if your peak expiratory flow rate is low or high or not changed. One absolute value has no meaning.

The diagnosis of COPD is usually made clinically by a physician. I will advise you if you are experiencing any respiratory problems/distress you should consult your physician.

Lastly, I will advise you to quit smoking as it not only affects your lungs but also have heavy implications in other parts of the body causing major illnesses such as cancer, heart attacks etc.

Hope this helps.
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Peak Flow Meter Measures 570 Average. Habit Of Smoking. Possible Emphysema/copd?

Hi Ryan, Welcome to HCM The information you have given is very limited to provide any advise. Generally, information from peak flow meter is more applicable in case of asthma than emphysema. Regardless, the values obtained my measuring peak expiratory flow rate is more useful if it is compared between two or more time points. For example, in your case if you have measured 570 ml/min as your peak flow rate under normal resting conditions and you measure it again , say, after one week then the value obtained second time will be relative to the first time (570 ml/min). This will tell you if your peak expiratory flow rate is low or high or not changed. One absolute value has no meaning. The diagnosis of COPD is usually made clinically by a physician. I will advise you if you are experiencing any respiratory problems/distress you should consult your physician. Lastly, I will advise you to quit smoking as it not only affects your lungs but also have heavy implications in other parts of the body causing major illnesses such as cancer, heart attacks etc. Hope this helps.