If an open electronic device with a missing battery is found near your child, head to your nearest emergency department right away for further evaluation.
When it comes to being a parent, you might find that “the little things” often become the big things. This idea is usually thought of in a positive light, but some “little things” can quickly become dangerous if overlooked.
You may have seen or heard of the dangers of lithium batteries for small children, especially button batteries that are easily swallowed (and may be mistaken for candy). We’re here to educate you on the dangers of these small batteries and the steps to take if an accident arises. We hope it never does, but we want you to be as prepared as possible if the unexpected happens.
What are the Dangers of Lithium Button Batteries?
These small, coin-shaped batteries can be found in remote controls, thermometers, watches, calculators, hearing aids, flashlights, toys and singing greeting cards. They might not seem like a choking hazard at first, but these batteries can become lodged in a child’s upper airway once ingested and cause serious tissue damage in as little as two hours. They can also become easily lodged in a child’s ears and nostrils.
Lithium-containing button batteries still have a strong current, even after removal from the device they’re powering. Once the battery comes in contact with saliva, an alkalizing reaction can occur and erode through a child’s esophagus — leading to permanent damage and even death.
Symptoms Following Battery Ingestion
Watch and listen for these symptoms if you suspect your child swallowed a button battery:
- Abdominal pain
- Chest discomfort
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Drooling
- Fever
- Gagging when attempting to eat or drink
- Refusal to eat
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
If you notice these symptoms, even if you didn’t witness ingestion but suspect it, a quick response can prevent serious damage to your child’s airway.
Knowing if a magnet was also swallowed with the battery is important, as this could cause further injury. X-rays of the child’s neck, esophagus and abdomen are typically necessary.
If an open electronic device with a missing battery is found near your child, head to your nearest emergency department right away for further evaluation.
Other steps to follow include:
- Calling the 24-hour National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 1-800-498-8666 or contacting your poison center at 1-800-222-1222
- Providing the battery identification number if you have it — found on the package or from a matching battery
- Getting your child an X-ray immediately to ensure the battery has gone through the esophagus and into the stomach
- Checking your child's stools until you know the battery has passed
The battery must be removed if it remains in your child’s esophagus. Most batteries move on to the stomach and can be allowed to pass by themselves.
Here are some things not to do after an accidental battery ingestion:
- Letting your child eat or drink anything
- Making your child vomit
It’s best that you take your child to your nearest emergency room if you suspect they swallowed a lithium battery.
How to Prevent Accidental Battery Ingestion
Swallowing batteries is dangerous, no matter the size. Follow these tips to keep your children safe:
- Secure loose batteries
- Search your home for devices with button batteries; don’t allow children to play with toys or devices containing these batteries unsupervised
- Securing button battery-controlled toys and devices and keeping out of reach of children
- Sharing this lifesaving information with caregivers, friends, family members and babysitters
We hope you never encounter this situation, but in the event you do, we’re here for you.
Emergency Help for Battery Ingestion
Remember, if you suspect your child swallowed a battery, immediately get to your closest ER for help and treatment. It’s also a good idea to contact your child’s pediatrician if they have an on-call provider.
You can rest assured we’re here for you 24/7 for life’s unexpected emergencies with pediatric-friendly ERs across Central Florida.
Learn more about how we can help keep you and your family healthy and whole here.
