When certain batteries become lodged in a child's esophagus, electrical current can trigger a chemical reaction that severely damages surrounding tissue.
Serious injury may develop rapidly, sometimes within approximately two hours.
A child may initially show few obvious symptoms, which makes suspected battery ingestion particularly dangerous.
If a parent believes a child may have swallowed a button battery, the child needs immediate emergency medical evaluation, even if they appear comfortable.
Do not wait for symptoms.
Do not attempt to make the child vomit.
Do not delay emergency care while searching for home remedies.
Medical professionals can determine the battery's location and provide appropriate treatment. In specific circumstances, poison-control experts may recommend honey for certain children aged 12 months or older, but honey must never be given to infants younger than one year and should never delay emergency treatment.
Prevention remains essential.
Battery compartments should be securely closed, preferably with screws or other child-resistant mechanisms.
