Question
What should be done if a 1.5-year-old child swallows a coin?
Answer
Firstly, it is necessary to confirm whether the child has actually swallowed the coin. Coins with regular shapes can typically pass through the body, but due to the child’s young age, attention should be paid to the size of the coin and its position in the abdomen. It is recommended to check for the presence of a coin in the body, which can be done through an abdominal X-ray and to carefully observe the approximate location of the coin. As long as the coin is in the intestines and has entered the large intestine, there is no need to worry. Normal diet can be maintained, and it is advised to avoid giving the child laxatives to prevent adverse reactions such as dehydration.