A toddler swallowing a penny is a common, often frightening event for parents. While this occurrence can occasionally lead to serious complications, it frequently resolves without significant issues. Nevertheless, it always warrants prompt attention and observation to ensure the child’s well-being.
Immediate Actions to Take
If your toddler has swallowed a penny, remain calm. Observe your child closely for any immediate signs of distress. These signs include persistent coughing, choking, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, gagging, vomiting, or struggling to swallow.
If your child is not exhibiting any of these distress signals and appears to be breathing normally, contact your pediatrician or a poison control center for guidance. They can provide specific instructions based on the situation. It is important not to induce vomiting, as this can cause the penny to become lodged in the airway. Avoid giving laxatives, as they are not helpful.
The Penny’s Journey Through the Body
Once a penny is swallowed and passes into the digestive tract, it typically follows a predictable path. It moves from the esophagus into the stomach, and then through the small and large intestines. The vast majority of swallowed coins, estimated at 80% to 90%, pass through the digestive system without obstruction.
The timeframe for a penny to pass varies, but it often occurs within a few days, sometimes as quickly as 24 to 48 hours. In some instances, it may take longer. Parents can monitor for the penny by checking their child’s stools during this period.
Warning Signs for Emergency Care
While many swallowed pennies pass without incident, certain symptoms indicate a serious problem. Signs of airway obstruction, such as persistent coughing, choking, wheezing, or labored breathing, require urgent intervention. Excessive drooling, gagging, or repeated vomiting are red flags.
Seek immediate care if your child develops abdominal pain, fever, or blood in their vomit or stool. Refusing food, eating less than usual, or experiencing chest or neck pain also warrants prompt medical evaluation. If the penny fails to pass after a reasonable timeframe as advised by a doctor, or if your child has swallowed a penny minted after 1982, which contains corrosive zinc, immediate medical attention is needed due to the potential for esophageal damage.