Children are born curious and yes they have a habit of putting things in the mouth. They explore the world by touching objects, tasting, and even putting objects in their mouths. Sometimes, if the parents leave the child alone, they might swallow things like pebbles, tiny toys and even coin. 

As a parent it can be scary if the child swallows an object. But, rather than panicking and trying remedies at home it is advised to rush the child immediately to the hospital. Here are some things you need to know if your child swallows a coin- Here is the advice from Sankhya Hospitals the best pediatric care in Hyderabad- 

 

Is Swallowing a Coin Dangerous?

In most of the cases if a child swallows a small coin, it passes through the body naturally and comes out in the stool within a few days. However, it is important to take the child to the doctor because in some, the coin may get stuck in the food pipe (esophagus) or windpipe (airway), which can be dangerous.

It is important for parents to avoid keeping tiny things like coin, pebbles or tiny toys around the child especially for under 5 years of age. 

 

Signs That a Child Has Swallowed a Coin

Sometimes children swallow coins when no one is around, and if you find it suspicious here are some more ways to detect-

• If your child is Coughing or gagging suddenly

• Trouble swallowing or painful swallowing of food

• Refusing food or drinks and sweating

• Chest pain or neck pain

• Vomiting

• Crying with difficulty in breathing

If the coin goes into the windpipe, it can cause breathing problems. This is a medical emergency, and you should go to the hospital immediately.

 

Here is what you must do immediately-

If you suspect or saw your child swallowing a coin:

Stay Calm and don’t panic as they might get afraid

Your calmness will help your child feel safe and keep them composed.

Check for Breathing Issues

• Check if your child is coughing but can breathe and speak.

• If your child cannot breathe, turns blue, or is unconscious call us immediately for ambulance service and don’t attempt to remove the coin.

Don’t Force Vomiting

Most of the parents try forcing the child to vomit which is wrong as this could result in choking. 

Do Not Delay Medical Help

Even if the child looks fine, it is necessary to consult the doctor immediately to diagnose the situation.

 

What Will the Doctor Do?

At a children’s hospital, the doctor will ask about the incident and examine your child and even suggest an X-ray.

If the coin is in the stomach:

If the coin is in the stomach region then the parents are advised by the doctor to check the child’s stool daily to find the coin.

If the coin is stuck in the esophagus (food pipe):

If the coin doesn’t move or causes symptoms, then the doctor might perform an endoscopy to find the location of the coin. This is a small tube with a camera that helps doctors see inside and safely remove the coin without much pain and discomfort.

If the coin enters the airway:

In case of the coin getting stuck in the airway, then surgery is done to remove the coin immediately. 

 

How Long Does It Take to Pass Naturally?

For child who has the coin in the stomach it takes 2-3 days for the digestive tract to work and push the coin through stools and in some cases even a week. Here is what you can do-

• Watch for symptoms like vomiting, belly pain, or blood in stool in your child.

• Give soft food as this increases the bowel movement.

• Don’t give high-fiber foods or laxatives till the doctor recommends.

 

When to Go Back to the Hospital

If your child has coin in the stomach then visit the doctor if- 

• Your child has pain or discomfort

• The coin hasn’t passed in 7 days in the stool

• The child vomits or has swelling in the stomach

• There is blood in the stool

• Breathing becomes difficult and swallowing as well.

 

How to Prevent Children from Swallowing Objects

• It is strongly recommended for parents to keep coins, batteries, buttons, and other small items out of reach from the children. 

• If you have an elder child at home, ask them to keep the tiny things out of reach of the baby. 

• Do not leave children unattended, especially when they are crawling.

 

When your child’s health is at risk, you need the best care without delaying. If you’re searching for the best children hospital in Kukatpally or the best hospital near me for pediatric emergencies, you need to call Sankhya Hospitals.

 

At Sankhya Hospitals, we provide the best pediatric care in Hyderabad with 24/7 emergency support. Our expert team of pediatricians and child specialists are experienced in handling foreign object cases like coin ingestion safely and quickly.

 

We provide-

• Top pediatricians with years of experience

• Advanced diagnostic tools and safe endoscopic procedures

• Child-friendly environment to reduce fear

• Quick and efficient emergency care

• Easy access for families in Kukatpally and surrounding areas

 

Whether you need the best pediatric hospital in Hyderabad or the best hospital in Kukatpally, Sankhya Hospitals is here to care for your little one like family.