Button batteries (also known as coin cell batteries) are small, round power sources used in many household devices. They typically range from 5-25mm in diameter and are found in items such as:
These batteries use lithium, alkaline, silver oxide, or other materials to generate power. The most dangerous are lithium coin cells (especially 20mm diameter or larger, like CR2032), which operate at 3 volts—enough to generate hydroxide, a caustic agent that can severely damage tissue.
When swallowed or inserted into body cavities, button batteries can cause severe chemical burns in as little as two hours, potentially leading to perforation of vital structures, long-term disability, or death.
Each year in the United States, more than 2,800 children are treated in emergency rooms after ingesting button batteries. The number of serious injuries or deaths has increased significantly as lithium coin cell use has become more widespread.
When a button battery gets stuck in the esophagus or another body cavity, it creates an electrical current that produces hydroxide, a caustic agent. This can burn through tissue in as little as two hours, potentially damaging the esophagus, trachea, vocal cords, and major blood vessels.
Symptoms may include:
Sudden crying or discomfort
Decreased eating or drinking
Drooling
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Chest pain
Coughing or choking
Fever
Abdominal pain
However, symptoms often mimic common childhood illnesses, and in some cases, there may be no immediate symptoms.
Do NOT induce vomiting or give food or drink
Call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline immediately at 800-498-8666
Go to the emergency room right away
If possible, provide information about the battery type (found on packaging)
X-rays are typically needed to locate the battery
Children under 6 years represent the highest risk group, with peak incidence in 1-2 year olds. Elderly individuals with cognitive impairment may also be at risk, particularly for hearing aid battery ingestion.
Fact: Even small button batteries can cause serious harm. While larger lithium coin cells (20mm+) pose the greatest risk, any button battery can cause damage if trapped in the body.
Fact: Many children show no symptoms immediately after ingestion. Others may have symptoms that mimic common childhood illnesses, making diagnosis difficult.
Fact: Never induce vomiting. This could cause additional damage. Seek immediate medical attention instead.
Fact: Button battery injuries have increased dramatically as these batteries have become more common in household devices. Emergency departments treat thousands of cases annually.
Fact: Button batteries can also cause serious injury when placed in the nose, ears, or other body openings.
Fact: Even "dead" batteries retain enough charge to produce hydroxide and cause tissue damage.
Conduct a home audit to locate all devices with button batteries
Use tape to secure battery compartments that don’t lock
Store loose batteries in locked cabinets out of reach
Wrap used batteries in tape before disposal and recycle according to local regulations
Never leave devices with button batteries accessible to young children
Teach older children about battery dangers
Choose products with secure battery compartments
Secure remote controls and key fobs when not in use
Check toys for easily accessible battery compartments
Keep spare batteries in original packaging
Teach children that batteries are not toys
Post emergency numbers near phones and on refrigerator
Inform caregivers and visitors about button battery safety
Recognize potential signs of battery ingestion
Keep the National Battery Ingestion Hotline number (800-498-8666) accessible
Call 911
Know the location of your nearest emergency room
If ingestion is suspected:
Remain calm but act quickly
Do not give food or drink
Do not induce vomiting
Seek immediate medical attention
If possible, identify the battery type and size
Common presenting symptoms and their frequency
Diagnostic challenges and red flags
Age-specific risk factors and presentation differences
History-taking essentials for suspected battery events
Radiographic identification techniques
Differential diagnosis considerations
Emergency stabilization procedures
Endoscopic removal techniques
Post-removal assessment and management
Long-term follow-up recommendations
Anticipatory guidance during well-child visits
Age-appropriate counseling materials
Risk assessment tools for home environments
Caregiver education techniques
Illustrated examples of various presentations and outcomes
Management lessons from challenging cases
Innovative approaches to treatment
Current epidemiological trends
Advances in treatment methodologies
Outcomes research and quality improvement initiatives
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