What is this reddish, mucus looking substance im coughing up?

I woke up yesterday feeling like I had the flu. I was sweaty, my head hurt and felt huge, my throat was a little sore, and my body was weak. i woke up today not feeling ill, but my throat hurts pretty bad. not like strep throat bad, but pretty bad. i quit smoking cigarettes and today is my second day without one. I just went to the bathroom and coughed up this really thick substantial red, flem looking material. it almost felt rubbery and i have no idea what it was. any body have a clue what might be wrong with me?