ISPUB.COM The Internet Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Volume 9 Number 1 1 of 7 Re-Emergence Of Coin In Nigerian Currency: Implication In Medical Practice O Afolabi, A Okhakhu, A Adeosun Citation O Afolabi, A Okhakhu, A Adeosun. Re-Emergence Of Coin In Nigerian Currency: Implication In Medical Practice. The Internet Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. 2008 Volume 9 Number 1. Abstract Background The reintroduction of the coins into the Nigerian currency in recent times in view of their economic status has brought back the already declining situation of coin in the aero-digestive tract. The aim of the study was to re-emphasize the implication of coin re-introduction on medical practice in Nigeria. Material and methods A retrospective review of all cases of patients with coin impaction in the aerodigestive tracts through June '99-May 2007. The information retrieved included biodata, clinical presentation treatment and outcome. Result The total number of 72 patients were studied with age range 2-9years, mean age of 3.83yrs (S.D=1.56). Highest incidence of 16.7% over three months after coin introduction and among under fives (91.6%). Male to female ratio was 1.3:1.0. About 52 (72.2%) were noticed by the parents and commonest symptom was drooling and dysphagia in 30.8%. Only 28% presented within 12 hours. All the patients were admitted with an average hospital stay of 1-5days. All the patients had rigid oesophagoscopy with 69.4% of coin located in cervical oesophagus. Post operative complication was noticed in 69.4%. Successful removal of the coin in 98.6% except for one who passed it out. Conclusion Coin in the aerodigestive tract is a preventable problem, 250% rise can be reduced or eliminated if caregivers can keep away the coin. INTRODUCTION Ingestion of foreign body is relatively common in the aero- digestive tract. However some of them get impacted because of their large size and shapes 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 . Once impacted they become associated with dramatic presentation of drooling or dysphagia which may be a source of apprehension among the care giver and the healthcare providers. The Nigerian coins of fifty kobo, one naira and two naira have a dimension 24.50mm, 24.50mm and 27.50mm in diameter respectively with an average weight of 5.50gm, 5.50gm and 12.00gm respectively and made of nickel and gold materials 6 all released into circulation on February 28 th 2007 6 . The reintroduction of the coins into the Nigerian currency in recent times in view of their economic status has brought back the already declining situation of coin in the aero-digestive tract. Following ingestion of a coin, this could spontaneously move down the oesophagus and expelled subsequently through the lower gastrointestinal tract or get impacted thereby necessitating an oesophagoscopy or lateral pharyngotomy for removal 7 , 8 . The majority of foreign body ingestions occur in the pediatric population with a peak incidence between ages 6 months and 6 years. 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 In adults, true foreign object ingestion occurs more commonly among those with psychiatric disorders, mental retardation or impairment caused by alcohol, and those seeking some secondary gain with access to a medical facility. 8 , 12 , 13 Ingestion of multiple foreign objects