If you or someone you’re with has swallowed a coin and it seems to be stuck in their throat, remain calm and assess the situation.
- Breathing Difficulties: If there’s difficulty breathing, gagging, choking, or if the person is turning blue, this is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately.
- Swallowing Difficulties: If the person is drooling, unable to swallow, or having difficulty swallowing, this could indicate a blockage in the esophagus. Seek urgent medical care.
- Other Symptoms: Coughing, vomiting, chest or neck pain can also indicate the coin is lodged.
- Emergency Situations: If experiencing severe symptoms like trouble breathing, chest pain, or large amounts of blood in vomit or stool, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
- Less Severe Situations: Even if symptoms are mild, contact your doctor or a poison control center for guidance. They can help determine the next steps based on the individual’s age, symptoms, and the type of coin swallowed.
- Don’t Induce Vomiting: Never try to force the person to vomit, as this could cause the coin to enter the airway and worsen the situation.
- Don’t Attempt Removal: Avoid putting fingers in the mouth to retrieve the coin, as this could push it further down or cause injury.
- Avoid Blind Sweeps: Do not attempt blind finger sweeps, particularly with infants.
- Observe and Monitor: If there are no concerning symptoms, and the person can swallow easily, it’s likely the coin has passed into the stomach.
- Check Stools: Monitor the person’s stools to confirm the coin passes within a few days.
- Hydration and Diet: Encourage the person to drink plenty of fluids and eat a normal, well-hydrated diet to help the coin pass naturally.
- When to Seek Further Medical Attention: If the coin doesn’t pass in the stool within a few days, or if any new or worsening symptoms develop (like pain, vomiting, or blood in stool), seek medical attention.
Note: Pennies made after 1982 contain zinc, which can cause irritation or damage if stuck in the esophagus for an extended period, so consulting a doctor for any coin ingestion is recommended.
How to take out coin from throat?
The ENT department has good results removing coins lodged in the upper esophagus using forceps and laryngoscopy; and also using rigid esophagoscopy for the lower esophagus.
How long does it take for a swallowed coin to come out?
I can help with that. Self-care. Most swallowed objects are harmless and will pass through the digestive system without causing any harm. Studies suggest that it takes about 3 to 5 days for the object to pass out into the stool (poo).
How to tell if a coin is stuck in the esophagus?
Symptoms of a blocked esophagus are trouble swallowing and throat or chest pain. Your child may gag, vomit, drool, or spit. Also, your child may not want to eat or drink anything.
Will something stuck in my throat eventually go down?
Food stuck in the throat usually passes on its own, given some time. Give your body a chance to do its thing. Consider getting medical attention if it doesn’t get better within the hour.