Dear Billy,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I can understand your concern.

A chest constriction worse in winter, with a difficult cough that just refuses to go away in a young male like you - my first cask is bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is more severe in smokers.

The smoke that you inhale is to remain inside your lung forever, causing a gradual but progressive distress for lungs. It usually causes damage that is recognisable after 30 - 40 pack years. ( number of pack per day times the years). So if you smoke 3 pack per day, by ten years you got it. However it's not that everyone will get a problem with smoking, nor is it that those who smoke less well escape. There is something more than just the cigarette number, and is associated with genetic predisposition.

I do think you are prone for further attacks of cough. So I strongly suggest to quit smoking. Please note I didn't suggest to reduce smoking, but suggested to quit.

I also strongly recommend you to get a lung function test done, to confirm it rule out asthma. Treatment started early in asthma helps to lead a normal asymptomatic life.

Chronic bronchitis clinically is used when you have cough for 2- 3 months, and for 2 - 3 years. So for the time being, I cannot diagnose your problem as chronic bronchitis. However it strongly seems to be asthma.

The probability of the same being asthma is higher if you have a family history of asthma, and symptoms were more in night or early morning, presence of wheezing in childhood, presence of other allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching of nose, skin dryness etc. This is a general statement, and is known to have exceptions.

Hope your doubts are cleared. Please feel free to revert back in case of any doubts.

Regards,
Dr. Jacob George P