The Mom's Book of Worries

My son swallowed a penny the other day. Being a nurse I didn't think too much of it really. Being a Mom I felt he got past my defensive screening and found an object that he could have chocked on! Terrible! But I knew that this is a normal part of childhood and made sure it did indeed go down. (He could swallow and keep down water)

We kept a close eye on him and he did great the rest of the night. However, the next morning he couldn't keep anything (even water) down. After cleaning the puddles, we headed for the hospital for an Xray. His doctor ordered just in case.

Turns out he had a flu bug, and the penny was waiting for his exit orders in the large bowel. Sometimes strange coincidences occur simultaneously!

Here is the basics in coin swallowing:

• Make sure offending object is in the stomach by giving them water then food.
• Watch for signs of airway obstruction like drooling or turning blue
• Contact your pediatrician with any concerns or for questions
• If all is clear, wait a few days (2-4) for penny to pass (they don't even feel it)
• Don't beat yourself up, but make sure all loose change is put away until this stage passes