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What Should Be Done When A Toddler Has Swallowed A Coin Or Two?
Question: Can a 22 month toddler swallow a coin without choking and act normal.. im not sure if there were two or three coins on the table.. if at all she swallowed one and it got stuck somewhere in the oesophagus will she show immediate symptoms... or is it possible for her to show symptoms after a while.. how long should i monitor her for symptoms and what symptoms should i check for? I have already put her through an unwanted x ray before 2 months.. do u suggest an x ray again? There is just 1 percent chance of a coin injestion
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I dont want to put her through another x ray due to radiation effects as my mother is sure that there were jus two coins.. if at all the coin is strucknin airway snd ahe didnt have immediate symptoms but after fee hours or days can it block the air to lungs? Im worried about the radiation exposure here as the chances are highly unlikely...
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I dont want to put her through another x ray due to radiation effects as my mother is sure that there were jus two coins.. if at all the coin is strucknin airway snd ahe didnt have immediate symptoms but after fee hours or days can it block the air to lungs? Im worried about the radiation exposure here as the chances are highly unlikely...
Brief Answer:
I would suggest X-ray to check the position, USG is an option
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Most of the time symptoms are not there if the child has ingested the foreign body and it is there in intestinal system not in Airways. The foreign body in airway usually presents with symptoms of choking immediately. Sometimes the foreign body may get stuck in intestine causing symptoms like vomiting and abdominal fullness(but this is rare).
Usually the coin comes in stool within 24-72 hours.
I would like to get X-ray done to check the number and position of the coin.
Ultrasound is an other option, but X-ray would be better.
If coin is in Upper part(in stomach if ingested recently i.e. Less than 6 hours) it can be removed by endoscopy. Usually serial X-rays are needed to check the position of coin and also the stool should be checked.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards
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Brief Answer:
Unlikely to cause Airway obstruction later
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is highly unlikely that the child didn't has any cough or choking symptoms during ingestion or immediately after that and developing symptoms later. Although exception can occur.
You can consult your pediatrician for detailed evaluation as on auscultation there may be decreased air entry due to airway obstruction.
Regards
I would suggest X-ray to check the position, USG is an option
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Most of the time symptoms are not there if the child has ingested the foreign body and it is there in intestinal system not in Airways. The foreign body in airway usually presents with symptoms of choking immediately. Sometimes the foreign body may get stuck in intestine causing symptoms like vomiting and abdominal fullness(but this is rare).
Usually the coin comes in stool within 24-72 hours.
I would like to get X-ray done to check the number and position of the coin.
Ultrasound is an other option, but X-ray would be better.
If coin is in Upper part(in stomach if ingested recently i.e. Less than 6 hours) it can be removed by endoscopy. Usually serial X-rays are needed to check the position of coin and also the stool should be checked.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards
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Brief Answer:
Unlikely to cause Airway obstruction later
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is highly unlikely that the child didn't has any cough or choking symptoms during ingestion or immediately after that and developing symptoms later. Although exception can occur.
You can consult your pediatrician for detailed evaluation as on auscultation there may be decreased air entry due to airway obstruction.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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