ABSTRACT
Although a common event, there is no broadly accepted consensus denition of a pulmonary exacerbation.1 Multiple objective denitions of pulmonary exacerbation have been proposed and employed in CF clinical trials, all of which require the presence of dierent constellations of clinical presentation.2-8 ese denitions tend to utilize the same key respiratory signs and symptoms (increased cough, increased sputum production, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of appetite, loss of weight, and lung function decline);9 however, they dier in sensitivity and are not interchangeable (Table 17.1). Although individual clinicians may be relatively consistent in their approach to exacerbation diagnosis, there can be substantial inconsistency between clinicians with respect to diagnosis.10
