Similarly this happened to me about two years ago (I was diagnosed with asthma after a severe bout of Covid). Fast forward two years and I’m doing really well. Some thoughts, an “emergency” inhaler like Albuterol could certainly help on an as-needed basis. A maintenance inhaler like Trelegy (which is what helped me) may also be ideal. Seems as though anxiety could be a factor for you? (It was for me.) And of course if you did visit a pulmonologist (or respirologist as it is called other countries), the first thing they would tell you is to stop smoking. Often when someone stops smoking, things can get worse before they get better. Might be worth a try.