Marsha Kay, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Children’s Hospital Cleveland Clinic, Director, Endoscopy Unit, discusses consequences of swallowing coins and batteries in kids. Some dangers include tracheoesophageal fistulae from a coin eroding the esophagus.

Summary:
Swallowed coins that remain undiagnosed in children cause catastrophic consequences, including esophageal erosion in to the trachea or aorta, and should be removed within 24 hours. Batteries, when swallowed, can lodge in the esophagus and cause perforation in only 6 hours so are a medical emergency.

References and Resources
Schrom T, Amm S. [Unusual case of oesophageal foreign body as part of a self-harm syndrome.] Laryngorhinootologie. 2009 Apr;88(4):253-6. Epub 2009 Apr 3. German.
Laugel V, Beladdale J, Escande B, Simeoni U. [Accidental ingestion of button battery.] Arch Pediatr. 1999 Nov;6(11):1231-5. French.

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