Five year old swallowed coin!?

Question

About fifteen minutes ago my five and a half year old swallowed a coin. It was about the size of a penny (German money that his Grandpa gave him). At first he was very pale and in a lot of pain and I was hoping he would cough or vomit it up, but he didn't. The pain seemed to move lower and now it's not as severe, like maybe it's past the esophogas. But surely something that size and shape can't pass all the way through the digestive system. I've been trying to get a hold of my husband who's helping on a nearby farm. Has anyone experienced this, and what happened? I don't think it's an immediate medical emergency since he's breathing fine, and actually he's acting normal now, but he's still got the coin floating around in his digestive system. Thank you for any advice you might have.

Answer 1

My daughter accidentally swallowed the locket on a necklace (she was playing "which hand is it in" with her brother and thought she'd be really smart and put it in her mouth so he'd never guess which hand!). She was 6. I called the doctor and he said to just go to the ER to be checked since it was round and possibly could get stuck somewhere. However, the ER checked her all out and said kids can swallow an amazing number of things and it generally just comes out the other end with no problems. They said if by chance one of the kids (I have 4) swallowed something again to not worry unless there is obvious distress with breathing, blood in the stool, severe stomach pain, or vomiting. My middle daughter swallowed a penny when she was just over a year old. I called the doctor and he said not to worry it happens all the time. He said we might see if come out in her diaper. We assume it did although we didn't check that closely for it.

Answer 2

Keep an eye on him , he may pass it when he has a bowl movement . But made sure you check it , if he uses a potty that would good , makes it easier to look through and retrieve the coin . If you have him trained on the toilet , put a plastic bag under the toilet seat rim so it will catch what he passes. if he does not or can't pass it bring him to hospital . I would bring him anyway even if he passes it , because coins are dirty they have been handled by so many people there far from hygienic , and wouldn't be healthy for the human system.

Answer 3

You should call his doctor!Just for the fact that he was chocking,and to make sure there nothing more you need to do.But my daughters doctor told me once anything the size of a nickle or smaller should pass through in a day or 2.But just to be safe you should call.

Answer 4

I swallowed a nickel when I was young and it passed. The doctor told my mom to check everytime I went to the bathroom to make sure it came out.

Answer 5

my son swallowed a penny. icalled poison control and his doc, and they said it should pass within 48 hours and not to worry. if he has other symptoms though call poison control! especially since it is german money... you need to know what the metal content is, it can be caustic.

Answer 6

You need to contact his doctor. If you can't reach his doctor you should at least call the hospital and speak to a nurse.

Answer 7

Call his doctor, and follow his instructions. Then after that give him Laxitves or Peptobisma.

Answer 8

I swalled a huge Plum Seed once. Make sure to give him Laxative. It should be out of his system by tommorow or on Tuesday.

Answer 9

ummm.........this, too, shall "pass". happens everyday. keep your eye on the potty! lol. :)
mom of two kids, and finder of "lost" coins

Answer 10

doctor