Q. I coughed up something that looked like a worm. Could I have a worm cast in my right lung?

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with flu five days back, it started with a productive cough and then progressed to body aches and fever. Body aches and high fever lasted for about 24 to 36 hours, but I have a constant low-grade fever. I started to feel better after three days, but the coughing was so severe that I almost gagged. On one such occasion, I examined my vomit, and I had coughed up something that looked like a worm. It was pasty white when I pressed it, and it was wrapped up on itself. I went to my doctor, and she said my lungs sound clear and equal bilaterally. I started taking Z-Pak, I am feeling better, and my temperature is normal. But, I get hot and little sweaty at night.

I am not coughing too often, but I still feel like there might be something in my right chest. I am just so worried about the thing I coughed up. Do you think it is a worm cast? If yes, then is that a regular thing during an illness? Could I have worm cast in my right lung? When I cough hard, I produce normal whitish clear mucous. I used to smoke, but have stopped for over ten years. I was tested positive for TB when I was younger and was treated for six months with Isoniazid. I am attaching the picture of the worm that I coughed up.

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply. Even though it was more solid, thick and dense like a noodle, you do not think it is a worm cast? I have just been so worried about that.