If you’ve swallowed a coin, it’s natural to be concerned. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and what actions to take:
- Check for choking: Is the person experiencing difficulty breathing, coughing, gagging, or turning blue? If so, this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately and be prepared to perform the Heimlich maneuver (or back blows and chest thrusts for infants under 1 year old).
- If not choking: Observe for other symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, drooling, vomiting, refusing to eat/drink, chest or neck pain. If these symptoms are present, seek immediate medical advice, [according to Sharp HealthCare].
- Note: If the person is breathing comfortably and experiencing no symptoms, it’s likely the coin has passed the airway and may be in the esophagus or stomach.
- Call your pediatrician or the nearest emergency room, even if the person seems fine. A medical evaluation is crucial to determine the coin’s location and potential risks.
- Do not induce vomiting or administer laxatives as it may push the coin deeper or cause further harm.
- Do not attempt to retrieve the coin with your fingers if it’s lodged, [warns ABC15 Arizona].
- X-ray: An X-ray will likely be performed to determine the coin’s location. Coins are radiopaque and show clearly on X-rays.
- Coin in the esophagus: If the coin is stuck in the esophagus, it may need to be removed promptly to prevent complications like esophageal perforation. Removal is typically done through endoscopy.
- Coin in the stomach or intestines: If the coin has passed into the stomach and there are no symptoms, it will likely pass naturally within a few days, often within 48 hours.
- Monitoring and follow-up: You may be advised to monitor the person’s stools for the coin’s passage and watch for any complications, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in the stool.
While most swallowed coins pass without issues, complications can arise. These include the coin getting stuck in the digestive tract (intestinal obstruction) or, rarely, causing a tear (perforation). Pennies made after 1982 contain zinc, which can cause metal poisoning and stomach irritation if it remains in the stomach for too long.
Important note: This information is for general guidance only. It’s crucial to seek professional medical advice for specific guidance and treatment based on individual circumstances.
What will happen if you accidentally swallow a coin?
Good point! Ingesting small coins often passes safely through the digestive tract without symptoms. Monitor your child for coughing, drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing, which may indicate obstruction. Since two coins were swallowed a week apart, ensure no new symptoms develop.
How long does it take for a swallowed coin to come out?
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 long does it take for a coin to pass?
From my experience, Small, disc-shaped batteries, coins, blunt and benign objects: If such objects can be passed naturally, they usually exit the body within 1–2 weeks without any complications. The likelihood of tearing to the intestinal walls or other complications is less than 1%.
Should I take my child to the ER if they swallowed a coin?
Thanks for asking. 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.