The article discusses the risks associated with children swallowing foreign objects, particularly button cell batteries. It emphasizes the urgency of seeking medical attention if such items are ingested, as they can cause severe damage within hours. The author highlights that symptoms are often not immediately visible and explains the potential dangers of batteries. Additionally, it suggests honey as a remedy to slow chemical reactions and protect the esophagus until medical help is obtained, though it should not be given to children under one year.
Is your child always putting random objects in their mouth? While it’s concerning when they swallow things like dirt or paper, certain foreign items can pose severe risks and even be life-threatening. If your child accidentally ingests something like a toy, knowing the correct steps to take is crucial. In cases where they consume toxic household products or inedible foods, it’s essential to contact poison control and seek medical attention immediately.
As noted by pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Jantchou, 78% of foreign object ingestion incidents occur at home. This high occurrence is often due to parental negligence in understanding how easily small items can be swallowed. In particular, electric batteries, especially button batteries, are increasingly attractive to young children. So, when should you be concerned about a battery ingestion, and what actions should you take if this happens?
The Dangers of Swallowing Button Cell Batteries
Button cell batteries pose a significant threat because they can leak harmful chemicals. Once these batteries interact with saliva and tissue, they create an alkaline solution rich in hydroxide, potentially inflicting severe damage on the esophagus. Quick action is vital since the first injuries can manifest within just a few minutes. “Visible damage can start in less than an hour, with a perforation in the digestive tract possible within four hours,” warns Dr. Jantchou in his research findings. Therefore, it’s crucial to get your child to the hospital within 30 minutes of ingestion to mitigate harm.
The challenging aspect of this situation is that the ingestion might go unnoticed. Unless you catch your child in the act of swallowing the battery, there are usually no outward signs. According to Dr. Jantchou’s study, in only 40% of cases is there a witness to the ingestion. In fact, 43% of children who have swallowed a battery show no symptoms at all. If symptoms do appear, they can include stomach pain, vomiting, coughing, or difficulty swallowing, along with excess saliva production. Correctly identifying the swallowed item is essential for providing veterinarians and medical staff with the best information.
Honey: A Protective Remedy
Surprisingly, honey can be a helpful remedy in cases of button battery ingestion. Although it does not prevent poisoning, honey can slow down the chemical reactions, allowing time to reach a medical facility. Research suggests that consuming honey may help minimize severe damage to the esophagus while awaiting treatment. Both honey and sucralfate help to stabilize the tissue pH, forming a protective barrier over the esophagus. This barrier can potentially prevent the battery from adhering to the esophageal lining and releasing harmful chemicals. While sucralfate is effective, honey is more appealing for children.
For this remedy to work effectively, it’s recommended to give 10ml (approximately one tablespoon) of honey every 10 minutes to maintain the protective effect. However, it’s crucial to avoid giving honey to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism. Additionally, honey should not be given if there are signs of sepsis or if your child has a perforated esophagus. “Administering any amount of these liquids before the battery is removed is better than taking no action at all,” emphasizes Dr. Jacobs in his review, highlighting that severe injuries can ensue within two hours of ingestion. Thus, honey remains a valuable option for limiting damage while waiting for medical intervention.