Are mild exacerbations a sign of worsening condition?

Sorry, been a long time. I am specifically asking for help from emphysema folks but also very much interested in input from the site therapist. Try to make this short. Up until about six weeks ago I walked at least three miles each day. This greatly assisted me in removing mucus. Over last three weeks I have suffered like never before getting mucus up. Some from sinus after netti pot would fill a Kleenex to overflowing. Other times all hacking and coughing so bad it would bring me to my knees. Huff coughing helped very little. No fever, mucus foul gold to light brow n to sometimes the normal light yellowish. Third day of emergency dose of antibiotics and low dose prednisone. Hacking still lousy for about an hour this morning. First exacerbation several months ago seemed different. See pulmonologist next Thursday. Is there common items to look for? Is mild exacerbations a sign of worsening condition? Has my couch potato mode these last several weeks obviously made things worse? I was diagnosed a little over a year ago. Have albuterol inhaler as needed, Breo but not taking by mutual decision with pulmonologist and no supplemental oxygen. Anybody have any advice or answers. Am looking at salt based nebulizer supplied mucus removal but only after doctor Thursday.