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 urgent or emergency help if:
Food is stuck and you cannot swallow liquids or saliva
You have trouble breathing after food becomes stuck
You have severe or sudden chest pain
Chest pain occurs with shortness of breath, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or neck
You vomit a large amount of blood
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 advice if swallowing becomes progressively harder, you lose weight without trying, or you have black stools or vomit blood.
A complete blockage may require urgent endoscopy.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment for recurring heartburn, painful swallowing, food sticking, unexplained vomiting, or symptoms that continue despite non-prescription treatment.
Children need assessment for persistent feeding refusal, slow eating, vomiting, or poor growth.
The article also says
Do not try to force stuck food down with more food or drink.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Esophagitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.