11/01/2026
The Most Expensive 20-shilling Coin 🪙😰
In today’s economy, a 20-shilling coin might barely buy a chocolate or cover a short distance in a matatu leave alone bodaboda or tukutuk. We often treat them as loose change, forgotten in pockets or left on coffee tables. But for one family recently, this small piece of brass and nickel became the most “expensive” object in their world.
It only takes a second for it to move from pocket to procedure. A moment of curiosity from a child during the back-to-school euphoria and that 20-shilling coin, once destined for a small treat, is swallowed by a child. Suddenly, its “value” changes. It is no longer currency, it is a foreign body ingested in a tiny esophagus presented to Dr. Omar Ngotho of Surgeons001.
The havoc it wreaks is immense:
😬 The Panic: The quiet of the home is shattered by sudden gagging and the terrifying sight of a child unable to swallow their own saliva.
😰 The Anxiety: For the parents, the world stops. The “low value” coin is now a high-stakes emergency.
🤑 The cost of that coin suddenly isn’t 20 shillings, it’s measured in tears of panic, hospital hours and the heavy weight of “what if”.
🥢 The Delicate Rescue: While the coin is relatively small, the procedure to remove it is complex. Navigating a child’s delicate airway to retrieve a metal disk requires precision, steady hands and immense care to avoid permanent damage.
If you suspect a child has swallowed a coin, look for these Signs and Symptoms:
🤤 Drooling: Inability to swallow even their own spit.
👉🏾 Chest or Neck Pain: The child may point to where it feels “stuck”.
🤮 Inability to Eat: Refusing food or vomiting when trying to swallow.
😮💨 Noisy Breathing: Rubbing sound or wheezing if the coin is pressing against the windpipe.
Prevention:
🫙 High-Level Storage: Keep loose change in jars placed on high shelves, never on low tables or nightstands.
⚱️ The "Empty Pocket" Rule: Make it a habit to empty your pockets into a secure container immediately upon entering the house.
🎒 School Bag Check: Ensure older siblings don't have loose coins in their bags that a child could find.
🧐 Awareness: During the back-to-school rush or weekend getaways we are often distracted. Stay vigilant!
A 20-shilling coin belongs in a coin bank/money box, not in a throat. Let’s keep our children safe.
🚨If you suspect your child has ingested a foreign body, seek immediate medical attention. Early intervention can make all the difference.
