If your child has swallowed a coin, it’s natural to be concerned, but remaining calm is the first step.
Here’s what to do:
- Assess the situation for immediate danger:
– Check for choking : If your child is gasping, wheezing, unable to talk or cry, turning blue, or grabbing at their throat, they could be choking. Immediately follow basic first-aid for choking for their age group.
– Look for other serious symptoms : If they’re having difficulty breathing, drooling excessively, coughing, gagging, refusing to drink, or complaining of neck or chest pain, these could indicate the coin is lodged in the esophagus (food pipe).
– Call for emergency help (911/your local emergency number) immediately if choking or showing signs of severe distress or if they swallowed a button battery or magnet (not a coin).
- If there’s no immediate danger:
– Contact your pediatrician or go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation : Even if your child seems fine, medical advice is crucial to determine the coin’s location and potential risks.
– Do not try to remove the coin yourself by reaching into their mouth : This could push the coin further down or into the airway.
– Do not try to induce vomiting or give laxatives.
– If they can swallow normally, they can continue to eat and drink normally.
- Medical evaluation:
– X-ray : A doctor will likely perform an x-ray to locate the coin.
– Based on the x-ray and your child’s symptoms, the doctor will determine the best course of action:
– Monitoring : If the coin is in the stomach and the child is asymptomatic, it might be allowed to pass naturally. Most coins that reach the stomach pass without issue.
– Removal : If the coin is in the esophagus or causing symptoms, removal (often endoscopically) might be necessary. Coins stuck in the esophagus should ideally be removed within 24 hours to prevent complications.
- While waiting for the coin to pass or for medical intervention:
– Observe for any developing symptoms : Be vigilant for abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody stools, or fever, and seek immediate medical attention if any occur.
– In some cases, the doctor might recommend checking stools to find the coin.
Important reminders:
- Do not delay seeking medical help if you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery or magnets , as these can be particularly dangerous.
- Keep all coins and small, easily swallowable objects out of reach of young children.
Should I take my child to the ER if they swallowed a coin?
From my experience, If your child has worrying symptoms, take them to the hospital emergency department. Objects that become stuck in the oesophagus, stomach or intestines may need to be removed.
How to remove coin from child’s stomach?
Great question! In most cases, items swallowed by children can be removed with an endoscopic procedure. A thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light attached at the end is carefully inserted in the child’s mouth and into the gastrointestinal tract during this minimally-invasive procedure.
What shall I do if my child swallows a coin?
From my experience, If your child has no symptoms and is well you could speak to NHS 111 about what to do next. Act quickly to get your child to A&E if you think they have swallowed something harmful. If possible, write down the name of whatever you think your child has swallowed so you can tell the doctor.