Swallowing a coin can be a frightening experience, particularly when it involves a child. While many swallowed objects pass through the digestive system without incident, coins present specific considerations. A common concern revolves around how long should a swallowed coin stay in stomach and when medical intervention is necessary. This article provides comprehensive information on the typical transit time of a swallowed coin, crucial symptoms to watch for, and when to seek immediate medical attention.
Understanding the Digestive Journey of a Swallowed Coin
Once a coin is swallowed, its journey begins. It first travels down the esophagus, a muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. If it successfully navigates the esophagus and enters the stomach, the next phase involves passage through the small and large intestines.
Typical Transit Time
For a coin that has successfully reached the stomach, the general expectation is that it will pass through the rest of the digestive system and be expelled in a bowel movement within a few days. While a precise timeframe can vary, common estimates suggest:
- 24 to 48 hours: Some sources indicate passage within this relatively short window.
- 2 to 3 days: This is another frequently cited timeframe for coin expulsion.
- Up to 4 to 5 days: According to Sharp HealthCare, some coins may take this long to pass.
- Potentially longer, even up to a week: In some instances, the digestive process can be slower, and a coin might remain in the system for up to seven days.
The time how long should a swallowed coin stay in stomach before expulsion depends on several factors, including the individual’s digestive motility, diet, and the specific characteristics of the coin.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Despite the possibility of a coin passing naturally, swallowing a coin, especially by a child, always warrants medical attention. This is particularly true if any symptoms are present.
Urgent Symptoms Requiring Immediate Care
If the person who swallowed the coin exhibits any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care without delay:
- Coughing or choking: These indicate potential airway obstruction.
- Difficulty breathing: A serious sign of airway compromise.
- Drooling: Can suggest an obstruction in the esophagus preventing saliva from passing.
- Difficulty swallowing: Another indicator of an esophageal blockage.
- Vomiting: Especially if persistent or containing blood.
- Stomach pain: Severe or persistent abdominal discomfort.
- Blood in the stool: A sign of internal injury or bleeding.
Coin Lodged in the Esophagus: A Critical Concern
The esophagus is a narrow tube, and coins, particularly larger ones, can become lodged there. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt removal.
- Serious Complications: A coin stuck in the esophagus can cause significant damage, including erosion, inflammation, or even perforation of the esophageal wall.
- Time Sensitivity: If a coin is lodged in the esophagus, it needs to be removed quickly, typically within 24 hours.
- Urgent Removal for Severe Symptoms: If the coin is causing severe symptoms, such as an inability to swallow saliva, removal may be necessary even sooner to prevent further complications.
Size Matters: Risk of Esophageal Impaction
The size of the swallowed coin plays a significant role in the likelihood of it getting stuck.
- Larger Coins: Coins with larger diameters, such as quarters (which are 24mm in diameter), are more likely to become lodged in the esophagus.
- Vulnerable Age Groups: Children, especially those younger than 2 years old, have smaller esophageal diameters, making them more susceptible to impaction by larger coins.
Type of Coin: The Danger of Zinc Pennies
While most coins are relatively inert in the digestive system, pennies minted after 1982 pose a particular risk.
- Zinc Composition: These pennies are primarily made of zinc.
- Corrosive Reaction: Zinc can react with stomach acid, leading to the formation of corrosive compounds.
- Potential for Injury: If a zinc penny remains in the stomach for an extended period, it can cause stomach irritation, inflammation, or even ulcers due to this corrosive reaction.
- Immediate Medical Attention: According to Sharp HealthCare, if a child has swallowed a penny minted after 1982, immediate medical attention is advisable.
Medical Guidance and Monitoring
Even if the person who swallowed the coin appears asymptomatic, contacting a medical professional is crucial for guidance and monitoring.
Doctor Consultation is Essential
A doctor can provide personalized advice based on the individual’s age, the type and size of the coin, and any potential symptoms.
- Monitoring for Symptoms: The doctor may advise close monitoring for the development of any concerning symptoms.
- X-rays to Determine Location: In many cases, an x-ray will be recommended to determine the exact location of the coin within the digestive tract. This helps confirm whether the coin has passed into the stomach or if it is lodged in the esophagus.
- Follow-up Evaluations: If the coin does not pass within a few days (e.g., how long should a swallowed coin stay in stomach extends beyond the typical timeframe) or if symptoms develop, further medical evaluation and potentially intervention might be necessary.
What NOT to Do
Certain actions should be avoided if someone has swallowed a coin, as they can be dangerous and counterproductive:
- Do Not Induce Vomiting: Attempting to induce vomiting can cause the coin to become lodged in the airway, leading to choking or aspiration. It can also cause further injury to the esophagus.
- Do Not Use Laxatives: Laxatives are not recommended. They can disrupt normal digestive processes and may not help in passing the coin safely.
Distinguishing Coins from Button Batteries
It is absolutely crucial to differentiate between a swallowed coin and a swallowed button battery. This distinction is paramount because button batteries represent a severe medical emergency.
- Button Battery Danger: Button batteries, often found in small electronics, pose a significant risk of severe internal burns and tissue damage if swallowed. When a button battery comes into contact with moist tissue (like the esophagus or stomach lining), it can generate an electrical current that causes rapid and severe chemical burns.
- Immediate Intervention: If there is any suspicion that a button battery has been swallowed instead of a coin, seek emergency medical care immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. The damage can occur very quickly.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Medical Consultation
Knowing how long should a swallowed coin stay in stomach is helpful for general understanding, but it does not diminish the need for professional medical advice. While many swallowed coins pass without incident, the potential for serious complications, particularly esophageal impaction or the corrosive effects of zinc pennies, necessitates a cautious approach.
If a coin has been swallowed, especially by a child, contact a doctor or seek medical care as soon as possible. This ensures proper guidance, monitoring, and timely intervention if complications arise, even if no immediate symptoms are present. Prioritizing safety and consulting with a healthcare professional provides the best possible outcome.
How long should a swallowed coin stay in the stomach?
Thanks for asking. What You Should Expect: Swallowed objects almost always make it to the stomach. Once there, they usually travel safely through the intestines. They are passed in a normal stool in 2 or 3 days.
How long does it take for a coin to come out?
Because the level of gut activity varies among individuals, it may take anywhere from a few days to a month for a swallowed coin to pass through the gut and out of the body through the feces.
What happens if a swallowed coin does not pass?
If the coin lodges in the esophagus, your child will exhibit signs of increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, neck pain, chest pain or coughing. These, too, are extremely alarming — and the child should be brought to the ER immediately.