How long do your exacerbations typically last?

Hi , exacerbations are different for everyone but if you are concerned that this one is lasting longer than usual or you're feeling worse, I would definitely loop in your doctor to see if there is anything they can do to help! Sometimes if they aren't clearing up, an antibiotic is necessary. Here are some articles we have on exacerbations that you may find helpful: https://copd.net/living/exacerbations, https://copd.net/living/preventing-managing-exacerbations, https://copd.net/clinical/frequent-exacerbations. All the best, Sam S. (COPD.net, team member).

Or never!

Everyone is different, but here's my experience: I had two exacerbations a week apart in October. At the onset of each, I added prednisone. By the end of the prednisone, about 9 days, I was feeling fine. I normally take Symbicort and Spiriva, with an albuterol rescue inhaler. It seemed like the prednisone was required, but no more problems after the second exacerbation. Just as of Monday I have discontinued therescue inhaler. I am still not back to normal, but feel recovered for the most part. Recuperation and recovery is much worse than the exacerbation itself in this case, maybe because of the two flares so close.

My exacerbation lasted 12 days, which coincided with finishing the Prednisone. All I was left with is an occasional cough. I have a PFT scheduled on Jan 29.