**5. Preperation for hospital discharge**

In order to qualify for a discharge, the patient must have stable clinical conditions and a stable or improving arterial PaO2 of greater than 60mmHg. The patient should not require short acting β-agonist more often than every 4 hours. If the patient is stable and can use a metered dose inhaler, there is no extra benefit of using nebulised forms (Jenkins et al. 1987). Patient education including topics such as medical treatment, nutrition, rehabilitation and physiotherapy programs and when to seek for professional medical help may improve the response to future exacerbations. Home support such as home mechanical ventilation, long term oxygen therapy, nebulisers or similar equipments should be arranged before discharge.
