Hi, I hope you can help me.



For approximately 4-5 years I smoked ‘on and off: usually at the weekend whilst drinking but rarely a daily habit. Last year, aged 25, I began to realise that habit was having a detrimental effect on my healthy, specifically my asthma.



Following a number of appoints with my GP I was referred to Thoracic Medicine, I immediately stopped smoking and starting taking the prescribed Symbicourt inhaler on a daily basis. Having undertaken a spirometer, the doctor informed me that my lung capacity was better than average, however, I had significant inflammation. He continued to explain that I should expect to see positive result after approximately a year of taking the Symbicourt.



A year has now past, my situation is not improving to the level I expect and I am very concerned that I have damaged my lungs beyond return.



To bring light to my thoughts: for the past two weeks I have suffered from significant congestion and catarrah (a constant problem), my chest has been tight and often painful. I exercise as often as I can but I am finding it increasingly difficult. Whilst playing football this week, I gasped for air following every spell of exertion. Post game, I was plagued by catarrah and for the following two days I coughed up blood no less than 6 times. The blood: in the main bright red, and mixed with phlegm but there was one instance of dark red blood.



Any thoughts, should I be worried?