Hi @kmh1122, welcome. You may be interested in reading this related discussion:
- What causes Clicking or Popping in Throat when Swallowing? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/clickingpopping-throat-when-swallowing/

However, you might be on the right track to the issue may be related to your current respiratory infection. I wouldn't jump to any conclusions like cancer. That being said, if the popping continues, you might want to contact your doctor. Have you been to the doctor about your current infection?