When a coin is swallowed, it usually travels down the esophagus into the stomach and, in most cases, passes through the digestive system without problems, eventually exiting naturally within a few days.
However, there are some potential scenarios and concerns to be aware of:
- Choking hazard: The most immediate concern is if the coin becomes lodged in the airway, leading to choking and potentially difficulty breathing.
- Esophageal impaction: If the coin gets stuck in the esophagus (the tube between the mouth and stomach), it can cause difficulty swallowing, drooling, or chest discomfort.
- Intestinal blockage: Although less common, a swallowed coin can get stuck in the intestines and cause a blockage, which would require immediate medical attention.
- Toxicity: Pennies minted after 1982 are primarily made of zinc, which can be corrosive and cause gastric distress if the coin remains in the stomach for an extended period.
- Button batteries: It’s crucial to distinguish a coin from a button battery, as button batteries can cause severe internal damage within hours and require immediate medical attention if swallowed.
- Assess for symptoms: Check for signs of choking, difficulty breathing, drooling, vomiting, coughing, or pain.
- Immediate medical attention (911/ER): If there are signs of choking or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Contact your pediatrician or poison control center: Even without severe symptoms, it is advisable to contact your pediatrician or a poison control center for guidance. [Poison Control can be contacted at www.poison.org and by phone at 1-800-222-1222].
- Do not induce vomiting or use laxatives: Never try to make someone vomit or give them laxatives after swallowing a coin, as this can make the situation worse.
- Follow medical advice: A healthcare professional may recommend an X-ray to locate the coin and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include monitoring or removal of the coin.
Important: Each case is unique, and medical advice should always be sought when a coin or other foreign object is swallowed.
Will you be ok if you swallow a coin?
Great question! Since swallowed coins may pass naturally through the intestinal system in many people, those who remain asymptomatic after swallowing a coin may be referred to a doctor for a removal procedure depending on the location of the coin, or may be monitored closely for the development of concerning symptoms that may indicate …
Do coins dissolve in the stomach?
If it was another object that is not sharp or pointed, such as a coin or small plastic toy (such as a Lego® piece), it is very likely that the object will pass through the stomach, through the intestines, and then out with a bowel movement. It may take as long as a week for it to pass, even longer.
Should I take my child to the ER if they swallowed a coin?
If your child has worrying symptoms, take them to the hospital emergency department. Objects that become stuck in the oesophagus, stomach or intestines may need to be removed.