Button batteries could seriously injure or even kill young children if not treated promply, a Manchester doctor has warned.
Small lithium batteries, used for powering toys and other small itens can easily get stuck in the throat or gullet, causing serious damage in as little as two hours.
The ‘sweets-shaped’ batteries can cause severe internal bleeding if left untreated, and can even lead to death, which has happened twice in Greater Manchester in the last 18 months.
Dr Kate Parkins, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, says parents must be far more vigilant to prevent tragedy from happening.
She said: “There have already been two reported deaths in the Greater Manchester area directly linked to children swallowing these batteries so it’s important parents are aware of the serious harm they can cause.”
Children under six years are at most risk but serious injury can occur at any age group, with most serious cases being linked to batteries over 20mm.
In May last year a battery got lodged in the upper part of the feeding tube of one child, leading to their death.
In another case, a child died as medics did not know if the three-year-old had swallowed a button battery.
“Repair can require feeding and breathing tubes and multiple operations,” she said.
“Parents need to be aware there may be no symptoms at first or that symptoms may be similar to other illnesses (eg coughing, drooling, not eating or drinking normally, tummy pain).
“Children can usually breathe with the battery in their throat so it may be difficult to spot.”
Parents are advised to keep devices with button batteries out of reach and lock up any loose batteries.
If a child swallows a button battery or it gets lodged in their ear or nose Dr Parkins says they must be taken to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department immediately.
If a battery gets lodged in their ear or nose it needs to be removed quickly, ideally in less than two hours, to avoid permanent damage.
Dr Parkins added: “The button battery does not need to be bitten, damaged, crushed or leak to cause harm.
“New button batteries are most likely to cause harm (especially Lithium button batteries), but even those that no longer work can cause serious injury.
“When the battery gets stuck it causes injury by setting up an electrical current when in contact with lining of the throat or gullet (oesophagus).
“This causes a build-up of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and can cause a severe burn.
“Damage can occur if the button battery is not removed in less than two hours, and is more likely to cause severe injury if it is not removed within 8-12 hours.”
Image courtesy of yoppy, with thanks.
