Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for new, severe, or unexplained chest pain, especially if it occurs with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, faintness, or pain spreading to the jaw or arm.
Heart problems cannot be safely distinguished from esophageal pain based on symptoms alone.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Get urgent medical help if:
Food is stuck and you cannot swallow liquids or saliva
You are drooling because you cannot swallow
Swallowing trouble is affecting your breathing
You vomit blood or pass black, tar-like stool
Arrange a prompt medical assessment for swallowing difficulty that is getting worse, repeated food sticking, unplanned weight loss, ongoing vomiting, anemia, or persistent chest pain.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for reviewing recurring symptoms, nutrition, trigger patterns, medicine effects, and whether treatment is helping.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Esophageal spasm. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.