Discussion and Podcasting Series on health or medical topics on Simple Health Radio. On this episode of Simple Health Radio, Dr. Emran recalls a case of a 5-year-old boy named “Michael” who swallowed a coin.

Coins are one of the most common foreign objects swallowed by children of different age groups. Because coins come in different sizes, some can become stuck in the trachea or esophagus. Coins that become stuck in the trachea are life-threatening and can lead to death immediately.

As common as it might seem, parents often ask, what’s next?

When a coin is swallowed, it travels down the esophagus, which is the narrowest part of the digestive tract and makes its way to the stomach. The average time for passing a coin is 24 to 72 hours. Most children will have cramping, bleeding in the stool, or stool incontinence.

Although most swallowed coins go to the intestine and are passed in the stool, some coins get stuck along the way. If there are any symptoms that are worsening such as severe pain, fever, or any unusual symptoms, go to ER.

It’s important to monitor signs and symptoms such as:

・Abdominal pain

・Chest pain

・Salvia continuously falling from the mouth

・Vomiting

・Shortness of breath

・Blood in stool

・Loses consciousness

Should any of these symptoms arise, go to the nearest emergency room.

If your child is doing well and is not in immediate danger, the general advice is to eat regular meals to help promote digestion. The coin will then exit the body through the stool.