Lithium “Button” Batteries

Lithium “Button” Batteries

Little boy exam

There is an emerging danger hiding in your home — lithium batteries, also known as button batteries — causing injuries and death in children. When swallowed, these small batteries get stuck in the esophagus (throat). The saliva triggers an electric current which causes a chemical reaction that can severely burn the esophagus in as little as two hours, creating an esophageal perforation, vocal cord paralysis, or even erosion into the airway (trachea), or major blood vessels.

Lithium batteries can be found in everything in your home. They are used in remote controls, toys, musical greeting cards, calculators, watches and other electronics. Small children often have easy access to these devices, and many parents do not know there is a risk.

Incidents of ingesting button batteries are on the rise

  • Button batteries are ingested more than 3,500 times per year in the United States.
  • Each year there are multiple severe cases involving esophageal or airway damage and a number of deaths

What are the signs that my child has swallowed a button battery?

Signs that your child has swallowed a button battery may include:

  • A sudden onset of crying (some children may not be in pain)
  • Noisy breathing
  • Coughing
  • Drooling
  • Decreased or refusing to eat or drink
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Gagging, coughing or choking with eating or drinking
  • Sore throat
  • Hoarse voice
  • Vomiting
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood or blood-tinged saliva, vomit, or stool

The above symptoms can also be mistaken for another diagnosis. Parents or caretakers should know that these batteries can be found anywhere in the home and think of it as a possibility if a child is in distress.

Watch this video to learn more about the dangers of ingesting a button battery and what to do if you think your child has swallowed a battery.

  • Button Batteries: A Danger to Children

    Despite their small size, button batteries can carry a potent charge. If swallowed, a lithium button battery may travel through the throat, stomach, and intestines with no issues. But beware — swallowed button batteries can cause serious injury. They can even be deadly.

    There have been many, many cases of button batteries becoming lodged in children’s throats and causing burns. It can happen as quickly as one hour after being swallowed.

    A button battery can cause damage in three ways:  First, it can create electrical current. Second, it can put pressure on sensitive tissues and third, it can leak harmful chemicals from the battery. And all of these can cause burns to the throat or the stomach. The burn can be so intense after only several hours of exposure that the voice box can be destroyed or internal bleeding can occur.

    If you think a child may have swallowed a button battery, call the Poison Center right away. It may be important to take the child to a hospital to get checked out.
    Early symptoms after swallowing a button battery can be mild; things like a sore throat, trouble swallowing, a little cough. But as the battery remains stuck, it can continue to cause significant damage leading to even more severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, abdominal pain, chest pain, bloody vomiting, and shock.

    This damage can be permanent, leading to the inability to eat through the mouth or to speak, and unfortunately death has been reported following button battery ingestions.

    If you look, you’ll probably find you have button batteries in your home right now. Button batteries can be found in everyday items such as greeting cards, remote controls, bathroom scales, digital thermometers, cameras, calculators and lots of other electronics. If you have children, it’s a good idea to avoid buying things with button batteries if you can.

    If you have products containing button batteries, especially those that can be accessed without a screwdriver, they should be stored out of reach of children and never leave loose button batteries lying around, accessible to young children, and never use your mouth to hold a button battery. Accidental ingestion of batteries can occur in adults, too.

    Now, remember, if you or someone you love swallows a battery, call the Poison Control Center right away. The number’s 1-800-222-1222 and you can get expert treatment advice.
Transcript Transcript

What should I do if I think my child has swallowed a battery?

This is an emergency! Take your child to an Emergency Department immediately.

If your child is >12 months old (1 year old), can give honey, 10ML or 2 teaspoons, every 10 minutes while you are on your way to the Emergency Department.

If your child is <12 months old, do not give your child anything to eat or drink.

If you are unsure, call Poison Control immediately: 1-800-222-1222

Is there anything I should not do if I think my child has swallowed a battery?

  • Do not induce vomiting.
  • Do not give medications to make your child move his bowels or vomit.
  • Do not give your child anything to eat or drink except honey if they are >12 months old and there is going to be delay getting to a children’s emergency room (ie:Long distance)
    • Give 2 teaspoons of honey every 10 min for one hour
    • Get to the nearest Children’s Center emergency room ASAP
    • If your child is
  • Do not give milk or water; this will not prevent further injury.
  • Do not attempt the Heimlich maneuver, even if you saw your child swallow the battery. The battery could get stuck another area or change its location and increase the risk of injury.

How to protect your child from the dangers of button batteries

Keep your child safe by:

  • Knowing where the batteries are in the home.
  • Ensure lids of devices that have button batteries are closed tightly, either using screws provided with the device or duct tape.
  • Securing them out of reach of children in a secured container.
  • If throwing out a button battery, place tape on both sides of the used battery and storing it in a secured bag till you are able to recycle them.
  • Telling everyone you know about the risk.
  • If you think your child swallowed a battery, seek medical attention immediately!
  • Have the Poison Center phone number readily available in your phone and/or posted in your home.

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