Measuring recovery in health-related quality of life during and after pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis

•Impact of PEx on HRQoL was explored in a post hoc analysis of phase 3 trials.•Data were from patients with CF who received placebo and experienced 1 PEx.•PEx significantly impact multiple domains of HRQoL.•Recovery across multiple domains post-PEx can take several weeks.•Findings provide insight into impact of PEx on patient HRQoL and recovery post-PEx.