Swallowing a penny often raises immediate concerns about potential health effects. While uncommon for adults, understanding the possible outcomes is helpful. The human body is generally resilient and capable of managing small, smooth foreign objects that enter the digestive system.
The Penny’s Composition
Modern United States pennies, minted since 1982, consist primarily of zinc, making up 97.5% of their composition, with a thin outer layer of copper comprising the remaining 2.5%. This differs significantly from older pennies, which were predominantly copper. The inner zinc core becomes a particular concern if exposed to stomach acid, as zinc can react and be absorbed by the body.
Immediate Concerns and the Digestive Journey
Swallowing a penny can present immediate hazards, especially for children, with choking being the primary concern. If the coin enters the windpipe instead of the esophagus, it can obstruct breathing. If swallowed successfully, the penny typically embarks on a journey through the digestive tract.
A small, smooth object like a penny usually travels from the esophagus into the stomach, then through the small intestine, and finally the large intestine before being excreted. Most ingested foreign objects, including pennies, pass through the system without intervention. The passage can take a few days to a week, though it may vary depending on individual factors.
Potential Health Risks
While many swallowed pennies pass without issue, the zinc content in modern pennies poses specific risks due to its reaction with stomach acid. The acidic environment of the stomach can cause zinc to leach from the penny, leading to zinc absorption into the body. Prolonged exposure to this released zinc can result in zinc toxicity. Symptoms of zinc toxicity may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe or chronic cases can also lead to lethargy and affect red blood cells, potentially causing anemia.
Although less common, a swallowed penny could potentially cause an obstruction in the digestive tract. This risk is higher in narrower areas of the intestines or for individuals with pre-existing digestive conditions. Symptoms of an obstruction might include persistent abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and an inability to pass gas or stool. Extremely rarely, perforation, a serious condition where a hole forms in the digestive tract, could occur.
When to Seek Medical Help
Prompt medical attention is necessary if choking, difficulty breathing, or severe pain occurs immediately after swallowing a penny. Persistent vomiting, excessive drooling, or chest pain also warrant immediate medical evaluation. These symptoms could indicate the penny is lodged in the esophagus or airway, requiring urgent removal.
If symptoms of zinc toxicity develop, such as ongoing nausea, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel movements, medical consultation is important. Similarly, if the penny does not pass within a few days or if there are signs of an intestinal obstruction, like severe abdominal cramping or inability to pass stool, medical advice should be sought. Children or individuals with underlying digestive issues should receive quicker medical consultation following ingestion. Providing details about the ingestion (when it happened and any symptoms observed) can assist healthcare professionals.