I had my gallbladder removed laparoscopicly on Thursday. 4 days later I have a small irritation in my throat causing me to cough. When I cough some phlegm comes up with a small amt id red blood mixed (bright red). The breathing tube was left in longer than usual due to shallow breaths, causing a panic attack. Should I be concerned?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Yes, you should definitely consult doctor and get done chest x-ray. You are having hemoptysis (blood in sputum). And it is common in pneumonia, tracheal injury, lung injury etc. You are also having history of endotracheal tube (breathing tube) insertion.  So possibility of pneumonia and tracheal injury is more. So get done chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. If chest x-ray is normal, no need to worry much. But if hemoptysis is continuous than you may need bronchoscopy to rule out tracheal injury. So consult doctor and discuss all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.