- Stay Calm: While concerning, it’s important to remain calm so you can effectively assess the situation.
- Assess for Choking: Check immediately for signs of choking, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, gagging, drooling, or inability to speak.
- If your child is choking:
– Call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
– Begin age-appropriate Heimlich maneuver while help is on the way if you know how to perform it. Do NOT attempt to blindly sweep or retrieve the object from their mouth, as this could push it further down and worsen the blockage.
- If your child is not choking and breathing normally:
– Contact your pediatrician or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222 in the US) for guidance.
– They will likely want to assess the situation further, possibly with an X-ray, to confirm the location of the coin.
– They may recommend monitoring your child for symptoms like drooling, vomiting, refusing to eat or drink, or chest/neck pain. These symptoms could indicate that the coin is lodged in the esophagus, which would require prompt medical attention.
- Do not induce vomiting or administer laxatives. These actions can be harmful and potentially worsen the situation.
- Do not force food or drink if the coin might be in the esophagus or your child is experiencing difficulty swallowing.
- Trouble breathing, stridor (harsh sound when breathing in), or wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound when breathing out) occurs.
- If your child is showing signs of distress such as:
– Trouble swallowing
– Gagging
– Vomiting
– Drooling
– Refusing to eat or drink
– Persistent cough
– Chest or neck pain
– Severe stomach or abdominal pain
– Blood in their vomit or stool
- In many cases, if a child swallows a coin and is not experiencing choking or other symptoms, the coin will pass through the digestive system naturally within a few days.
- However, it’s still crucial to seek medical advice to confirm the coin’s location and rule out potential complications.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition or concerns you may have.
Should I take my kid to the ER if he swallowed a coin?
“If your child has swallowed a penny, or any coin, take her to your pediatrician or the emergency room right away,” says Charles Howell, MD, a pediatric surgeon at MCG Children’s Hospital, in Augusta, Georgia.