My Child Swallowed a Coin — What Should I Do? Mr Gaurav Kumar | Consultant ENT Surgeon | London & Essex
My Child Swallowed a Coin — What Should I Do? A Parent's Guide to Coins, Batteries and Magnets Your toddler is playing in the living room. A moment later, you notice a coin is missing. Your child coughs briefly, then seems perfectly normal. Did they swallow it? Could it be stuck in their throat? Will it pass naturally? Or should you take them to hospital? These are understandable concerns. Young children frequently explore objects by putting them in their mouths. Coins, small toy parts and other household items can occasionally be swallowed. The reassuring news is that many small, smooth objects pass through the digestive system without causing harm. However, not every swallowed object is safe. Button batteries, magnets, sharp objects and items stuck in the food pipe require particular attention. Knowing the difference can help parents respond appropriately. What happens when a child swallows a coin? When a child swallows a coin, it may travel from the mouth through the oesophagu...