Stage 4 COPD

I too have been diagnosed with stage 4 emphysema…same symptoms…lung test say I have 32% lung capacity…. I just asked my husband the exact same question last night?

@bsayles 32% I think is Stage 3

So far phlegm or mucous hasn’t been a problem, thankfully, & I have 32% lung capacity. I can sit to read or watch TV without oxygen & oximeter indicates 92-94%. Yet, if I get up & walk 50’ with 3.5 liters/minute oxygen, I get very short of breath & with pursed lip breathing, still it takes a couple of minutes to calm down & breathe normally.
I think I’m borderline between stage 3 & 4.
Any comments/opinions would be appreciated.

I read that mucus is not as much with emphysema as chronic bronchitis? I have stage 4, only have about 1/3 of lung function. I sometimes get flare-ups of mucus, but I started using a guafenesin tablet at bedtime, and also I do a water navage in the AM. These things do seem to help a lot. I think sometimes mucus would drain down to my stomach during the night and I'd feel a little nauseous in the morning. I have to say I don't have much trouble with mucus now, although a flare-up or exacerbation can happen as we all know!! Good luck!