I Have COPD. After Smoking For 40 Years, I Experience

I have COPD. After smoking for 40 years, I experience shortness of breath with only slight activity. I have had laryngitis for about 4 days and am taking a z pack and prednisone as prescribed for the last two days. Today around lunch I experienced a more acute shortness of breath and have coughed up 1 small and 1 larger dark colored chunk in the phlegm that is otherwise close to clear in color. What are the possibilities ?