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
Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing, cannot swallow your saliva, are drooling because nothing will pass, or feel that food is completely stuck.
Vomiting blood, passing black stools with faintness, or developing severe chest or neck pain after an esophageal procedure also needs emergency care.
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
Seek prompt medical assessment for:
Swallowing that is becoming steadily worse
Pain when swallowing
Unexplained weight loss
A persistent hoarse voice, neck lump, or coughing up blood
Recurrent symptoms after previous treatment
Black stools or visible blood in the stool
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop gradual difficulty swallowing solid food, especially if it happens repeatedly.
Tiredness, breathlessness with activity, a sore smooth tongue, brittle nails, or cracks at the corners of the mouth may also justify testing for iron deficiency.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Plummer-vinson syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.