What are Button Batteries?
Button batteries are small, coin-shaped cells commonly used in devices like watches, calculators, hearing aids, and toys. They are often made from alkaline, silver oxide, or lithium, each with different
chemical compositions and potential hazards.
Why are Button Batteries a Toxicological Concern?
Despite their convenience, button batteries pose significant
toxicological risks, particularly to children. When swallowed, these batteries can lodge in the esophagus, leading to severe injuries or even death. The battery can create an electrical current that hydrolyzes tissue fluids, generating hydroxide ions that cause chemical burns.
What Happens if a Button Battery is Ingested?
Upon ingestion, a button battery can cause significant damage in as little as two hours. The most severe outcome is the formation of a perforation in the esophagus, allowing leakage of food and bacteria into the mediastinum, which can lead to
sepsis and even death. Other complications include
tracheoesophageal fistulas, vocal cord paralysis, and esophageal strictures.
How Can Button Battery Ingestion be Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through
radiographic imaging, such as X-rays, which can locate the battery in the gastrointestinal tract. Radiographs are essential to ascertain the battery's position and to distinguish it from other ingested objects.
Immediate removal is crucial in cases of button battery ingestion. Endoscopic removal is the preferred method to minimize damage. Post-removal, the treatment focuses on managing any injuries caused by the battery, which may include surgeries or other interventions to repair
esophageal damage.
How Can Button Battery Ingestion be Prevented?
Prevention strategies include securing battery compartments on devices, keeping batteries out of children's reach, and educating parents and caregivers about the dangers of button batteries. The use of
child-resistant packaging and clear labeling are also important preventive measures.
Regulatory measures are enforced by various agencies to ensure the safe use of button batteries. These include standards for battery compartments in children's toys and electronics. Awareness campaigns by health organizations aim to reduce the incidence of accidental ingestions.
Raising public awareness is crucial to prevent incidents and ensure prompt action when they occur. Educational materials and public health initiatives can inform caregivers and healthcare professionals about the dangers of button batteries, the importance of early
intervention, and proper storage practices.
