"Today I'm a nit confused. I have COPD/Emphysema End Stage, on Oxy. 24/7/365. In 2011, I was given 3 to 5 years to live. To which I replied Bullcrap, watch me. Here I am in 2019. Still going strong. Now to that confusion. I read people's postings of " flare-ups ". Someone please get very specific here. Define flare-ups. Some folks say they are hospitalized with each flare-up. What is the presise difference between a hospitalization and the everyday harsh shortness of breath episodes that require either 2 puffs on the inhaler or a nebulizing treatment? Thank you for the answer. Breath easy, folks. Seeya !"