I was wondering about good ways to stop or shorten a flare up. What do you do that helps? I was diagnosed in November, and now recognize my first exacerbation since then. It started out of the blue 4 nights ago, with coughing fit lasting hours and went downhill from there. Started albuterol every 4 hours the 2nd day. Rested yesterday and had a good night sleep finally, but wondering what now? Though I am breathing a bit better and the cough has slowed down it still hurts and I am afraid if I start being active the cycle will begin again.