Swallowing a coin can be a concerning situation, especially for children. While many swallowed coins pass naturally, some may become lodged in the digestive tract, requiring medical intervention.
Here’s a breakdown of the treatment and removal options:
- If a coin is swallowed, do not panic and do not attempt to induce vomiting or forcefully remove the object with your fingers, as this can worsen the situation.
- Observe for symptoms like choking, coughing, difficulty breathing, drooling, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
- If your child is without respiratory compromise and has swallowed a single, small, blunt coin within the last 24 hours and has no history of esophageal disease , observation for 12-24 hours may be considered to see if it passes naturally, [according to the American Academy of Family Physicians | AAFP] . During this time, they should not consume food or fluids by mouth.
- Call 911 immediately if there’s trouble breathing, stridor (harsh sound when breathing in), wheezing, chest pain, or large amounts of blood in vomit or stool.
- Seek urgent medical care if the child has symptoms like drooling, spitting, gagging, vomiting, difficulty swallowing normally, or pain in the throat, neck, chest, or stomach.
- Consult your doctor within 24 hours for any swallowed coin, even without symptoms.
- Be especially concerned with larger objects (25mm or larger, like a quarter), button batteries, magnets, or sharp objects, as these carry a higher risk of complications and usually require urgent removal regardless of symptoms.
- Imaging: X-rays are typically used to confirm the presence, size, and location of the coin.
- Endoscopic Removal: Endoscopy is the most common and preferred method for removing esophageal foreign bodies, particularly if symptoms are present, the coin is lodged for more than 24 hours, or in high-risk cases (e.g., button batteries, magnets, sharp objects).
– An endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light) is inserted through the mouth and guided to the foreign body.
– Specialized instruments (forceps, nets, snares, etc.) are used to grasp and remove the coin.
- Alternatives (Less common):
– Foley Catheter: May be used for smoothly lodged coins in children (under strict criteria) but carries a risk of airway compromise.
– Bougienage: Involves pushing a blunt object into the stomach and is sometimes used, but can lead to complications.
- Surgical Removal: Required in rare cases where endoscopic removal is unsuccessful or if complications like perforation or obstruction occur.
- After removal, monitoring for complications like infection, bleeding, or further obstruction is essential.
- Your healthcare provider will give specific instructions on diet, activity restrictions, and medications after the procedure.
- Follow up with your doctor as recommended to ensure complete recovery.
In summary, if a coin is swallowed, stay calm, assess the situation, and seek professional medical advice. Prompt evaluation and appropriate intervention can prevent serious complications and ensure a positive outcome.
How do doctors remove a swallowed coin?
It is removed using an endoscopic grasping instrument. Coins are the most common foreign body in children that require removal from the esophagus.
How to tell if a coin is in the esophagus or trachea?
As you can see here. So you can see that on face on on the lateral. View it looks different on both views. So if you’re looking at the AP. If it’s in the trachea.
How long does a coin stay in the stomach?
I can help with that. 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?
Most children have no symptoms after swallowing an object, and the object will not cause any problems. Occasionally, the swallowed object can become stuck in the oesophagus. Take your child to a doctor or hospital emergency department if they have: trouble swallowing food.