If you’re still on the fence about the hazards posed by button batteries, this eye-opening video might just change your perspective. Recent research indicates that emergency room visits for young children ingesting small objects have surged nearly 100% in the last 25 years, with lithium button batteries being a significant contributor. These small, coin-like batteries are found in an array of everyday items—ranging from gadgets and illuminated jewelry to greeting cards and toys.
Why Are These Batteries So Perilous?
Dr. Jack Thompson recently conducted a striking experiment that demonstrated the severe damage a single battery can inflict in just three hours, sharing his alarming findings on Twitter. He remarked, “Swallowed button batteries are a medical emergency. This is an example of tissue damage that occurs in 3 hours.”
While a button battery that reaches the stomach might pass through safely, those that get stuck in the esophagus—or even lodged in the ear or nose—can cause catastrophic harm in mere hours or over days, weeks, or even longer if not addressed immediately. Tragically, dozens of children lose their lives every year due to button battery ingestion, with cases often sharing eerily similar narratives. For instance, in the heartbreaking story of 3-year-old Mia Roberts, her parents were unaware she had swallowed a battery until she began vomiting blood. Doctors later discovered that the battery’s acid had burned through her esophagus.
The Importance of Immediate Action
In a discussion on social media, a radiologist illustrated the distinction between a button battery and a coin on an x-ray, highlighting just how much more dangerous the former can be. Poison Control advises that if a child swallows a battery, immediate medical attention is crucial, as the potential for harm escalates rapidly. They indicate that 20 mm, 3-volt lithium coin cells pose the greatest threat due to their size (similar to a nickel) and potency.
Furthermore, Poison Control provides a comprehensive list of common household items that may contain these batteries, such as hearing aids, remote controls, key fobs, garage door openers, scales, and handheld games. Essentially, any small electronic device could harbor these hidden dangers.
What to Do If Your Child Swallows a Battery
If you suspect your child has ingested a battery, it’s vital to get them to the ER without delay. However, in the meantime, giving them honey can help coat the battery and protect nearby tissue while doctors work on a solution. Keep in mind that honey should not be viewed as a long-term remedy; professional medical care is non-negotiable.
Manufacturers’ Efforts and Safety Tips
Manufacturers are currently exploring ways to enhance the safety of button batteries, including applying bright blue dye that stains the mouth of any child who swallows one. Until such advancements are fully realized, it’s imperative to keep your little ones safe.
Here are some tips: first, familiarize yourself with which devices in your home contain button batteries and consider discarding non-essential items (like inexpensive toys or novelty greeting cards) that don’t have secure compartments. Secondly, exercise extreme caution when storing spare batteries and ensure old batteries are disposed of safely and promptly. Lastly, as soon as your child is old enough, educate them about the dangers these seemingly innocuous objects pose.
Remember: if something is swallowed, quick action is essential. As the video clearly illustrates, tissue damage can begin much sooner than you might think.
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Conclusion
In summary, button batteries are a serious hazard that can cause severe damage to children in a very short time frame. Awareness and prompt action are crucial for prevention and response.
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