If you’re still uncertain about the risks posed by button batteries to young children, this alarming video could change your perspective. A recent study indicates that emergency room visits for children who have ingested small objects have nearly doubled over the last 25 years, with lithium button batteries being a primary suspect. These small, coin-shaped batteries can be found in numerous household items, ranging from electronics and light-up jewelry to greeting cards and toys.
Why Are These Batteries So Hazardous?
Dr. Jake Thompson conducted a revealing experiment showcasing the quick damage that a single button battery can inflict, sharing the unsettling findings on social media. “Ingested button batteries are a critical medical emergency,” he stated, illustrating the tissue damage that can occur in just three hours.
While a swallowed button battery that reaches the stomach may typically pass through without issue, those that become stuck in the esophagus—or lodged in the nose or ear—can cause catastrophic harm in mere hours, or even over days, if undetected. Tragically, many children lose their lives due to button battery ingestion each year, with stories often bearing striking similarities. For instance, a case involving 3-year-old Lila Johnson highlighted how her parents were unaware she had swallowed a battery until she began vomiting blood weeks later. Medical professionals concluded that the corrosive battery acid had burned a path through her esophagus to her heart.
Visual Comparisons and Warnings
A radiologist contributed to the conversation by providing a visual comparison of a button battery and a coin on an x-ray, emphasizing the far greater risks posed by the former. Poison Control warns that immediate medical attention is crucial if a child consumes one of these batteries, as they can inflict severe injuries within a short time frame. They specifically list 20 mm, 3-volt lithium coin cells as the most perilous due to their size and power, which is approximately that of a nickel.
What Parents Should Know
Parents should be aware of common household items that may contain button batteries, such as remote controls, garage door openers, hearing aids, and even children’s toys. If a child does swallow one, it’s vital to rush them to the emergency room immediately. However, feeding them honey can provide temporary protection by coating the battery and the surrounding tissue while medical professionals address the situation. Remember that honey is not a substitute for professional care, and swift action is essential.
Manufacturer Safety Improvements
Manufacturers are currently exploring ways to enhance the safety of button batteries, including the idea of coating them with a bright blue dye that would stain a child’s mouth if swallowed. Until such measures are widely implemented, it’s crucial for parents to take proactive steps to safeguard their children.
Consider familiarizing yourself with devices in your home that utilize button batteries, and dispose of non-essential items that lack secure compartments. Spare batteries should be stored carefully, and any old batteries must be disposed of immediately. Educating your children about the dangers of these objects is equally important as they grow older.
Conclusion
Ultimately, remember that if a child swallows a battery, immediate action is critical. As this video illustrates, the damage can begin much sooner than you might think. For more on related topics, check out our post about at-home insemination kits and also visit Intracervical Insemination for expert insights. Additionally, March of Dimes offers excellent resources for those considering pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Button batteries pose a significant risk to children, with serious harm occurring rapidly if swallowed. Parents should be aware of where these batteries are found in household items, take immediate action if ingested, and educate their children on the dangers. Manufacturers are exploring safety improvements, but vigilance is key in preventing accidents.