10 Esophageal Cancer Symptoms
7. Cough
Coughing is the sudden expulsion of air through the airway to clear them of fluids, foreign particles, irritants, and microbes. As mentioned, patients with esophageal cancer commonly experience difficulty swallowing or dysphagia as a symptom. Thus, undigested food, fluids, and stomach acids can be accidentally inhaled into the airway and result in coughing.
Aspiration can result in an acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs (pneumonia), which may also manifest with coughing. Furthermore, severe esophageal cancer can invade the airway (trachea and/or bronchi) and create an abnormal connection between both organs known as a tracheobronchial fistula. As a result of this complication, any content that is ingested will make its way into the airway causing the patient to cough violently.
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