It can be difficult to know for sure if a baby swallowed a battery, but look for signs like a sore throat, trouble swallowing, vomiting, coughing, stomach pain, a sensation of a lump in the throat, or refusing to eat or drink. Immediate medical attention is crucial if you suspect a battery ingestion.
Signs and Symptoms Suggesting Battery Ingestion
If you suspect your baby has swallowed a battery, act quickly. While some symptoms may overlap with other common childhood ailments, certain signs are more indicative of battery ingestion:
- Sore Throat: The battery can irritate and burn the throat lining.
- Trouble Swallowing: Difficulty or pain while swallowing (odynophagia) is a significant indicator.
- Vomiting: The battery can cause irritation and trigger vomiting.
- Coughing: Coughing or choking could be a sign that the battery is obstructing the airway or causing irritation.
- Stomach Pain: Abdominal discomfort or pain may develop.
- Foreign Body Sensation: The baby might behave as if something is lodged in their throat.
- Refusal to Eat or Drink: Pain or discomfort from swallowing can lead to refusing food and liquids.
- Drooling: Excessive drooling can occur due to irritation or difficulty swallowing.
- Wheezing or Stridor (noisy breathing): This indicates possible airway obstruction.
What To Do If You Suspect Battery Ingestion
Immediate medical attention is paramount. Do not induce vomiting. Go to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services (911 in the US). Bring the battery packaging with you, if possible, to help the medical team identify the type of battery. The type of battery and the amount of time it has been in the body are important factors in determining the severity of the situation. Coin-sized button batteries are particularly dangerous.
Why Battery Ingestion is Dangerous
Button batteries, especially lithium batteries, can cause severe burns in the esophagus in as little as two hours. The battery's electrical current interacts with bodily fluids, creating hydroxide, an alkaline chemical that burns tissue. These burns can lead to long-term complications, including esophageal perforation, vocal cord paralysis, and even death.
