Exacerbations of COPD

Usually 7-10 days is the average duration

of an exacerbation but more detailed

analysis of daily peak expiratory flow

(PEF) recordings suggest that it can be 5

weeks or more before the baseline lung

function is reached again after a severe

episode. In sicker patients, the effect on

health status can be cumulative, with the

baseline level of well being never reached

before the next episode supervenes. This is

a potent mechanism for the progressive

decline in health status that characterizes

more severe COPD.