Beware those who swallow batteries, also known as “toddlers”

By Whitney

You know those little button-style batteries that power watches and other household items? Ooh, shiny! I mean, that’s what a little kid must think. Right before she pops it in her mouth.

Yes, kids are eating batteries and the stuff inside them is poisonous, so we need to really be careful about this. According to the National Capital Poison Center, 3,500 cases of button battery ingestion are reported to U.S. poison control centers every year, with the majority of cases involving children under the age of 4. The team at the Seattle Children’s Hospital shared information about this health hazard with me in an effort to educate parents.

With all the noise-making puzzles, thermometers, musical greeting cards, and remote controls that use these batteries, there are some in every house. (Unless you are really living off the grid. And if so, how are you reading this website?) Children see batteries when they are being changed in a toy or appliance. Even the old “spent” batteries can be dangerous.

Beware of Swallowing Batteries

After just a few hours in the body, lithium batteries can harm a child’s body, burning the esophagus and doing worse damage that I will spare you a graphic description.

Signs that a child may have swallowed a lithium battery include drooling, wheezing, vomiting, and chest discomfort.

If you believe your child has swallowed a button-style battery, go quickly to a health care facility for a chest x-ray and do not allow your child any food or drink until they have been checked out.

Again, thanks to Dr. Kathy Sie, attending surgeon at Seattle Children’s Hospital for this information