A 40-year-old member asked:
What happens if a child swallows a coin while i am babysitting? should i call the parents or er?
2 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alfredo Garciaanswered
Pediatrics 58 years experience
Foreign body: You should inform the parents immediately. If the child is choking or coughing, call 911. If the child does not seem to be in distress, stay calm and not get the child anxious or agitated. Then discuss with the parents/pediatrician what the next step is to follow. Oftentimes, smaller coins can pass through the intestines without a problem.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Farhad Sigarianswered
Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery 22 years experience
ER ASAP: A child swallowing a coin needs to be dealt with immediately, regardless of how the child is acting. It needs be xray'd to ensure it is not stuck in the in the esophagus or even worse in the airway. This can be seen on a lateral xray. If it is a battery, it needs to be removed immediately! so if it happens, call the parents asap and if the child is having trouble breathing call 911 first.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 8, 2015
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