Swallowed Penny

Every year there are great numbers of worried parents who seek for this kind of help. It is commonly that kids under 6 years swallow some things, including and penny. Mostly, swallowed foreign objects will pass through the digestive system without any problems. Sometimes, it could pass away without causing any problem even if that object is sharp, such as glass fragments. Usually, if swallowed penny could pass into stomach, it will pass the rest of the way of intestinal tract without any problems. I could advice you to wait a little before you seek for emergency help. If you notice how your child has trouble breathing, speaking or crying you should take him to the doctor. Some of signs to recognize emergency cases are if he starts to wheezes, drools, or spits saliva. Reactions like these might be sign that the object blocks the larynx or trachea, making it difficult to breathe.

Aside from obvious signs of distress like difficulty breathing, drooling, strider or just inconsolable fussiness, there is a greater danger associated with children swallowing pennies. The US no longer makes pennies from mostly copper. Those that are minted after the year 1982 contain mostly zinc with a thin copper outer coating. This thin copper layer will desolve in 2-3 days leaving the zinc exposed. Zinc reacts with stomach and creates a battery acid-like substance that can eat a hole in your childs stomach. Signs to look for are vomiting and stomach pain. Don't pay attention to posters who say penny eating is no big deal. Pennies minted before 1982 post no health risk (once successfuly in the stomach and not stuck in the airway) If your child were mine, I'd take him to an emergency department. This is sound medical advice, though I'm not a doctor; I'm a paramedic. I'd also tell you that next time you have an emergency to call your childs doctor or 911 rather then wait for someone to respond to some online posting. Good luck.

Why take a chance?? Call 911 PRONTO and don't wait to see adverse effects in your child. This is serious and should not be taken lightly. Good Luck and teach your kids NOT to put objects, coins etc in their mouths!

When I was 3, some how a penny got stuck in my chicken nugget and i ate it, but it went down the wrong pipe. I couldn't breath but I got my grandmas attention fast enough. She hung me upside down until the paramedics showed up. The paramedics said if she wouldn't have done that I would have died right then. So make sure your child is breathing okay. And not having any problems eating,breathing, or going to the restroom. I hope my story helped you. Thank you for reading my life threatening story. I really hope your child is okay. But if it went down the pipe that takes the food it shall pass in about 7 days.