Disclosed are methods and compositions for treating symptoms of esophageal disorders by localized delivery of a cooling agent to pharyngeal and upper esophageal surfaces. A solid medicament comprising a cooling agent incorporated into a gelatin-based matrix is orally administered. The medicament has a non-spherical geometry for temporary retention within anatomical recesses of the pharynx prior to passage into the esophagus. The medicament has a mass and geometry selected for prolonged pharyngeal residence while permitting spontaneous swallowing.