When a quarter is swallowed, it often triggers immediate concern, especially for parents. A quarter is a United States coin valued at 25 cents. It is primarily composed of cupronickel and measures about 24.26 millimeters in diameter and 1.75 millimeters thick. While ingesting a coin can be alarming, understanding its typical journey through the body can alleviate some initial worries.
The Quarter’s Path Through the Body
In most instances, a swallowed quarter will traverse the human digestive system without incident. The coin begins its journey down the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. From there, it enters the stomach, then proceeds into the small intestine, and finally the large intestine before being excreted from the body.
This entire process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on an individual’s digestive activity. Coins are not digested by the human body; they typically pass through intact. The copper-nickel alloy of a modern quarter is not toxic if swallowed, distinguishing it from items like button batteries or certain zinc-containing pennies that can pose chemical risks. Approximately 80% to 90% of swallowed coins pass without complications.
Signs of a Problem
While many swallowed quarters pass without issue, certain symptoms indicate a problem requiring medical attention. Immediate and severe risks include choking, which occurs if the quarter becomes lodged in the windpipe (trachea) instead of the esophagus, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing. If the quarter gets stuck in the esophagus, symptoms might include difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, gagging, or chest pain. Children, in particular, are at higher risk for objects getting stuck in the esophagus due to their smaller airways and digestive tracts.
If the quarter successfully passes into the stomach but then gets stuck further along the digestive tract, it can cause an obstruction or, rarely, a perforation. Signs of these issues include persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, or blood in the stool or vomit. A quarter’s diameter of approximately 24.26 millimeters is close to the 25-millimeter threshold where objects are more likely to cause problems, especially in the esophagus.
When to Seek Medical Help
Prompt medical evaluation is important if a quarter has been swallowed, particularly if symptoms arise. If choking occurs, or if there is severe difficulty breathing, drooling, or inability to swallow, emergency medical care should be sought immediately. For other symptoms such as persistent pain, repeated vomiting, or any signs of bleeding, a medical consultation with a doctor or urgent care clinic is advisable.
Medical professionals typically use an X-ray to locate the coin, as it is visible on imaging. If the coin is in the esophagus, especially in children, removal is often recommended, sometimes within 24 hours, to prevent tissue damage. Procedures for removal can include endoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to retrieve the coin. If the quarter has passed into the stomach and the individual remains without symptoms, medical observation might be recommended, with follow-up X-rays to confirm its eventual passage.