title: COPD exacerbations .1: Epidemiology.
abstract: The epidemiology of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is reviewed with particular reference to the definition, frequency, time course, natural history and seasonality, and their relationship with decline in lung function, disease severity and mortality. The importance of distinguishing between recurrent and relapsed exacerbations is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit of Respiratory Medicine, University College London, UK.
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Donaldson
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Wedzicha
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018450:Disease Progression; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000502:physiology; D015995:Prevalence; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012008:Recurrence; D012621:Seasons; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000502:physiology; D014852:Wales / Q000453:epidemiology