Eosinopenia in Severe COPD Exacerbation

This observational study looks at whether having a low eosinophil count in the blood (eosinopenia) at hospital admission can predict the severity of a COPD flare-up (exacerbation). COPD is a chronic lung disease that causes breathing problems, and flare-ups can be serious. **You may be eligible if...** - You have been admitted to hospital primarily because of a COPD exacerbation (a significant worsening of breathing) - You have a smoking history of at least 10 pack years - You have confirmed airflow obstruction on breathing tests (FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.7) - You are able to give informed consent **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have an active parasitic or systemic fungal infection - You are currently taking medications that significantly affect eosinophil counts (such as steroids) - You have other serious conditions that the investigator believes would confound the results Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.