Relation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations to FEV ₁ - An intricate tango

This article provides a brief review of the complex interrelationships that surround chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations and lung function, particularly FEV₁. Areas of discussion include a consideration of baseline lung function as a risk factor for exacerbation, the magnitude and duration of lung function abnormalities after onset and during recovery from exacerbations, the relation between changes in lung function during an exacerbations and clinical outcomes, and the potential impact of recurrent exacerbations on long-term deterioration in lung function.