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India
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Faridabad/Chandigarh, October 02, 2025:
A 12‑year‑old child was rushed to the emergency department at Fortis Escorts Faridabad after accidentally swallowing a ₹ 10 coin. The coin, measuring nearly 27 mms in diameter, was lodged in the upper esophagus and was causing intense chest pain and difficulty swallowing. An X‑ray confirmed its presence in the food pipe. Led by Dr. Nirdesh Chauhan, Consultant – Gastroenterologist, Fortis Escorts Faridabad, the medical team opted for an urgent endoscopy to prevent life-threatening complications that could arise from delays, such as esophageal tears, infection, or breathing difficulties. Using specialized endoscopic tools, the medical team successfully removed the coin within an hour of the child’s arrival. The extraction itself took about 15 minutes, after which the child was discharged safely later that evening. Follow‑up inspection confirmed there was no damage caused to the esophagus.
Elaborating on the case, Dr. Nirdesh Chauhan said “Coins are among the most frequently swallowed foreign objects in children. While smaller items may sometimes pass on their own, objects like coins lodged in the esophagus can be extremely dangerous. In this instance, prompt medical attention enabled us to prevent serious complications such as ulceration, infection, or airway obstruction. Parents should avoid home remedies like forced vomiting or feeding the child in hope of pushing the object down the food pipe, these may worsen the situation. The safest course is to seek immediate hospital care.”
Dr. Abhishek Sharma, Facility Director, Fortis Escorts Faridabad said “Accidental swallowing of foreign objects is a frequent emergency in pediatric cases. Our team is equipped with advanced healthcare infrastructure to handle such situations swiftly and safely. We urge parents to remain vigilant, keep small objects away from children, and seek urgent medical help if such incidents occur.”
Doctors also advised parents to watch for warning signs such as sudden drooling, difficulty swallowing, persistent coughing, gagging, or sensation of something stuck in the throat or chest. Difficulty in breathing should be treated as an emergency requiring immediate attention of specialists.
