Many toddlers swallow a coin every year.It can be frightening to deal with, but most issues will not become serious with proper intervention.Try to get the coin out of your mouth.If the child is coughing a lot and showing other signs of distress, go to the ER.In the future, it's important to keep items out of the reach of toddlers.
Step 1: Stay calm.
Your toddler may have swallowed a foreign object.The calmer you are, the better you can deal with the situation.Take a few deep breaths and then care for your child.You want to keep your toddler calm.As you attempt to get the coin out of the toddler's mouth, he may be difficult to keep still.
Step 2: The airway should be checked.
If the coin is visible, open your child's mouth.If the coin is blocking your child's airway, it may or may not be visible in the back of his or her throat.The child may be having trouble breathing if the coin is stuck.
Step 3: You should try to remove the coin yourself.
If you act quickly, you may be able to get the coin out of the child's mouth.Take the child and hold his or her face down.To thumb the child on the back, use the heel of your other hand.The combination of pressure and gravity should cause the coin to fall.Don't try this method if a child chokes.Call the emergency number immediately.
Step 4: Call your doctor if you can't get the coin out.
The majority of coins will not pose a threat to a child.You need to make an appointment with your doctor to ensure that the coin is moving through the body without becoming lodged or stuck.Make an appointment to see your child's doctor if the coin does not fall out.
Step 5: Under certain conditions, call the emergency number.
If this is a medical emergency, you should call the police.If your child has any of the following symptoms, you should take them to the ER.
Step 6: You can bring your child to the doctor.
You need to see where the object is located in order to determine if medical treatment is needed.Make an appointment with your doctor.The doctor will do a basic exam to evaluate your child.
Step 7: Get a x-ray.
An x-ray is needed to determine the location of coins.The doctor will want to watch and wait if the coin moves through the child's stomach.The doctor will need to medically remove the coin if it is lodged.Ask your doctor how to prepare if the x-ray isn't being done immediately.Before and after an x-ray, keep your child calm.An x-ray may be frightening if a child has never had a major medical problem.Hold your child's hand, sing, read, or engage in other activities to keep them calm during the procedure.
Step 8: Allow your doctor to medically remove the coin.
Medical removal may be required if the object is stuck in your child's body.In rare cases, foreign objects can be removed in the stomach with the help of an endoscopy.The scope is pushed from the child's mouth to the stomach.Ask your doctor how to care for your child after the procedure.
Step 9: There are symptoms to watch for at home after the event.
Follow up care may be necessary after you see your doctor.Most children don't need to follow the object up.You don't usually have to look at your child's feces.If your child is suffering from symptoms like stomach pain, you may have to make a follow up appointment or be assessed in the ER.If your doctor thinks the coin will pass on its own, you need to check your child's poop for the next few days.
Step 10: Don't use your fingers to remove the coin.
You can attempt to remove the coin using your fingers if you see it swallowed.You could cause the coin to get lodged in a child's throat, which is a bad idea.
Step 11: Do not use techniques like the Heimlich maneuver on young children.
The techniques meant for adults are not safe for young children.Don't use abdominal thrusts or heavy blows to the back if you want to administer the Heimlich on a toddler.
Step 12: It's a good idea to talk to your child about the dangers.
Talk to your toddler about the dangers of swallowing coins if he or she is old enough.Let your child know not to put food in his or her mouth.Ask your doctor how to talk to your child.There are pamphlets on how to discourage children from swallowing foreign objects.
Step 13: Young children should not have access to coins.
Coins and other objects should be kept out of the reach of young children.Some coins can be difficult to pass.The time and hassle of a doctor's visit is something you want to avoid.Keep other small items of your toddler's reach in addition to keeping coins out of reach.Don't give your toddler toys with small parts.Keep batteries away from your child.The batteries are very dangerous to a child's system and can cause serious problems if swallowed.Magnets are dangerous to swallow because they stick to each other.They need to be removed if swallowed.