How does esophageal cancer cause coughing?

Due to cough reflex: As tumor of esophagus, stats to obstruct secretions and food backs up , try to enter air way, cough reflex will protect aspiration.

Airway irritation: Coughing in esophageal cancer is usually caused by airway (aka bronchus or wind pipe) irritation, most commonly by: 1. Aspiration (saliva and/or food going into the airway) due to obstruction of the esophagus by tumor or 2. A large tumor pushing on or growing into the airway.

When youcannot : Swallow completely, food and liquid backs up at the obstruction, and can go "down the wrong pipe" at the glottis, and coughing ensues. Worse, advanced esophageal cancer can bore a hole into the trachea or bronchus, te or be fistula...A challenge to help, and mark of short future.