ADVERSE REACTIONS TO PEAK FLOW MONITORING - REPORT OF 5 PATIENTS

Five patients with adverse reactions to peak flow monitoring are prese nted: 2 patients had herniation of abdominal content, while the others presented with vasovagal syncope, minor depression and neurotic preoc cupation with peak flow values, respectively. As a result, 3 of the 5 patients became noncompliant. For nonpsychological somatic adverse rea ctions, we calculated an incidence of 1.1 cases/1,000 patients started on peak flow monitoring, Adverse reactions with a psychological backg round may be more frequent. Clinicians should bear in mind that patien ts noncompliant with peak flow monitoring may have discontinued becaus e of adverse reactions.