When a child swallows a coin, it’s essential to seek medical advice . While many coins pass without issue, there’s a possibility of the coin lodging in the esophagus or causing complications.
Here’s what to do:
- Observe for choking signs immediately: Check for difficulty breathing, coughing, gagging, drooling, or inability to speak. If your child is experiencing any of these, call emergency services (like 911) immediately.
- Seek medical advice: Contact your child’s pediatrician, primary care provider, or take them to the emergency room. Even if the child appears fine and isn’t exhibiting immediate distress, a medical evaluation is necessary to assess the situation.
- Do not attempt to remove the coin yourself: Avoid trying to retrieve the coin with your fingers or inducing vomiting, as this could worsen the situation.
- Prepare for the doctor’s visit: The healthcare provider will likely ask about the circumstances of the ingestion and conduct a physical examination. They may also perform an X-ray to determine the coin’s location.
- Follow medical advice: Depending on the coin’s location and whether it’s causing symptoms, the doctor might recommend monitoring for passage, follow-up X-rays, or even endoscopic removal. An endoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the digestive tract to visualize and remove the coin.
Important to note:
- Pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc, which can cause irritation or ulcers if stuck in the digestive tract.
- Children younger than two years are at a higher risk of complications.
- If your child has a pre-existing esophageal condition or history of swallowing foreign objects, mention this to the doctor.
- Always err on the side of caution and consult with a medical professional, as the information provided here is for general guidance only.
Should I worry if my child swallows a coin?
Thanks for asking. Children sometimes swallow things such as coins, small toys or beads. Most objects that children swallow are harmless, and are passed through the digestive system and out with the faeces (poo) without any problem. Sometimes, swallowed objects get stuck in the oesophagus (food pipe) and may not pass into the stomach.
How to remove coin from kids’ throat?
I can help with that. 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.