How do you know when you are having a flare up of bronchiectasis? I also have very severe COPD (FEV1 = 21%) so I haven't been able to figure out which disease is flaring. I asked my Pul. and he just said "you're breathing will get worse". Well, duh. I get that with my COPD so how so you know which disease is causing the problem? (I have a Pul for my COPD) and an ID dr. for the bronchiectasis) Can anyone tell me? Thanks.