When a toddler swallows a coin, several things can happen. It’s important to remain calm and assess the situation.
- Passage through the digestive system: In most cases (80-90%), the coin will pass through the digestive system without incident and be expelled in the stool within a few days. Regular hydration can help facilitate this process.
- Lodged in the esophagus: The esophagus is the food tube between the mouth and stomach. A coin lodged here can cause:
– Difficulty swallowing or refusing to eat.
– Drooling.
– Neck or chest pain.
– Vomiting.
– Coughing or gagging.
– In cases of esophageal impaction, immediate medical attention is crucial as it can lead to complications like scarring, perforation, or infection. Removal is often necessary, typically through endoscopy.
- Lodged in the stomach or intestines: This is less common than esophageal impaction, but can occur, especially with larger coins or in younger children. Symptoms may include:
– Abdominal pain.
– Ongoing vomiting.
– Blood in vomit or stool.
– Fever.
– Intestinal obstruction or perforation are potential, though rare, complications requiring urgent medical care.
- Check for choking: Is the child having difficulty breathing, coughing, gagging, drooling, or unable to speak or cry? If so, call 911 immediately and be prepared to perform the Heimlich maneuver or CPR if trained and necessary.
- Contact a healthcare professional: Even if the child isn’t choking and appears fine, you should contact their pediatrician or the nearest emergency room for evaluation. An X-ray will likely be needed to locate the coin and determine the best course of action.
- Do not induce vomiting or give laxatives: These actions could worsen the situation.
- Do not try to remove the coin with your fingers: This can push the coin further down or cause injury.
- Always seek professional medical advice if you suspect your child has swallowed a coin, [according to Rainbow Hospitals] and [Children’s Hospital Colorado].
- Button batteries are a serious concern: If you suspect a swallowed button battery, go to the emergency department immediately or call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline.
- Pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc, which can cause irritation or damage if lodged in the esophagus.
- While most coins pass naturally, monitoring for symptoms like drooling, difficulty swallowing, pain, vomiting, or blood in the stool is crucial.
- If symptoms arise or if the coin doesn’t pass within a few days, follow-up with your doctor is essential.
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.
How long does it take for a toddler to pass a coin?
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 pass?
“Eighty percent to 90% of the time, coins pass unobstructed,” says Dr. Kettlehake. “They usually pass in less than four to five days, often within 48 hours.” In these cases, you should still consult with your child’s doctor or after-hours line immediately.