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improving PFT techniques
- Thread starter Jane
- Start date
I still have that problem with the quick blast. Last year my doctors have to use a new spirometer while the old one wasnt available. The new one was VERY sensitive & it made me really work at getting that blast out. If I hesitated or breathed in before blasting it would register as a problem. Once I went back to the other machine I dont seem to do as well. Its like the mind knows, but it delays the response.
JennifersHope
New member
I totally stink at this test.. I always get so embarrased.. When I blow hard like they say, I always cough my head off... My PFTS are usually pretty good, except when I am sick, but I still stink at doing this test, I end up having to blow at least three or four times... Never just twice...
Jennifer
Jennifer
I am the same way I am no good at PFTs I am 23 and I still dont have a good technique after all these years I guess it is something that some people are good at and some are not I am one that is not but my numbers always look good when I am feeling good but like most CFers say they think they should have done better Dustin 23 CFRD
I don't have any advice, but wanted to say my son is 19 and has trouble "getting it" as well. My daughter is 17 and she does say it can be hard and there is a learning curve to it -- yes, I feel my son's PFT's are not accurate too because he has trouble with doing it well -- fortunately the doctor agrees so we don't worry too much about his numbers.
L
luke
Guest
Jane,
My "best" PFT's are always done with multiple attempts, normally my 6th is always my best. One technique I have mastered is the "cough exhalation." I take in the very deepest breath I can and actually almost cough into the machine for one long breath. Liken it to a prolonged sneeze but through my mouth. Anyway...that is my technique, right or wrong. When I actually adminstered the test I always coached people into blowing out candles, visualize and blow out. They do have software for kids that actually let them blow out candles on a computer screen. Maybe that would be option.
Luke
My "best" PFT's are always done with multiple attempts, normally my 6th is always my best. One technique I have mastered is the "cough exhalation." I take in the very deepest breath I can and actually almost cough into the machine for one long breath. Liken it to a prolonged sneeze but through my mouth. Anyway...that is my technique, right or wrong. When I actually adminstered the test I always coached people into blowing out candles, visualize and blow out. They do have software for kids that actually let them blow out candles on a computer screen. Maybe that would be option.
Luke
Thanks you guys.
You all seem to have ok numbers even with questionable technique, but that's not the case here. My son's usual is between 40 and 50 which is pretty low. He is definately healthier than his readings would suggest (playing basketball etc), but his doctor always gets freaked out.
The software sounds interesting.
You all seem to have ok numbers even with questionable technique, but that's not the case here. My son's usual is between 40 and 50 which is pretty low. He is definately healthier than his readings would suggest (playing basketball etc), but his doctor always gets freaked out.
The software sounds interesting.
My older son was 4 when they started doing pfts. He was pretty bright and loved the whole science of it, so he caught on to the technique very quickly. He used to challenge himself to improve the numbers and it was fun to watch. Now unfortunately, he gets defeated if the first one is low and won't do any more. Most of the time he cries and gets mad. I think its more common to start when kids are older. My younger son was 6, I think. He does them badly, but it doesn't really concern him.
Hi my name is Clara and i have 2 boys with CF ages 9 and 11, they first tote my boys to do PFTs by taking a cotton ball and lay it in your hand and with his mouth open to take a deep breath and then push the air from his lungs as fast as possable so the cotton ball blows right of your hand, do not pucker up lips holed mouth open like you have the piece of pastic in it like on the PFT machines, this took awhile to get down but they both do very well with there PFTs now....i hope this helps
thefrogprincess
New member
Get a peak flow meter. They only work with the quick hard breath out so you can make a game of it. Have your son try to beat his numbers every time. He'll actually be able to see the results and it won't be as technicle as the PFT charts and readings. Set a goal for him on the meter each week and if he reaches it he'll get a special treat (like his favorite dinner or something). This really works with young kids. My brother had a terrible time with PFTs when he was little and this worked great. I wouldn't worry about him getting the part about blowing for a long time, they don't rely on those numbers nearly as much as the FEV1 anyway.
S
skh
Guest
Jane, my daughter will 15 in just a few weeks and when the clinic does her PFT's she gets to choose if she would like to blow down house, out candles and I think there's a few other options. That's what they started doing with her when she was diagnosed at 11 yrs. and she still does it like that now. Maybe that would help your son?
Sue
Sue