Swallowing a battery is a serious medical emergency. These small objects can cause rapid and devastating harm if they become lodged in the body, often requiring urgent medical intervention to prevent severe health consequences. Acting swiftly can make a substantial difference in outcomes.
The Specific Dangers of Swallowed Batteries
Not all batteries pose the same level of risk when swallowed, but certain types are particularly hazardous. Button or coin cell batteries, such as the 3-volt lithium CR2032, CR2025, and CR2016 models, are among the most dangerous. Their small, shiny appearance makes them attractive to young children, and their size allows them to easily become lodged in narrow passages within the body, especially the esophagus. These batteries are commonly found in household items like remote controls, toys, watches, and musical greeting cards, increasing their accessibility.
When these batteries get stuck, their chemical properties, especially in lithium batteries, cause rapid tissue damage. Annually, more than 3,500 incidents of button battery ingestion are reported in the United States.
How Batteries Injure the Body
When a button battery becomes lodged, particularly in the esophagus, it initiates a destructive process through several mechanisms. The primary concern is electrochemical burns, where the battery’s electrical current interacts with the body’s moist tissues, such as saliva. This interaction generates hydroxide ions at the negative pole, leading to an alkaline chemical reaction. This alkaline substance can cause liquefaction necrosis, essentially dissolving tissues and burning through the esophageal wall.
Tissue damage can begin in as little as 15 minutes, with severe burns occurring within two hours. This rapid onset means that significant harm can occur even before symptoms become evident.
Another mechanism of injury is pressure necrosis, where the battery pressing against the esophageal wall restricts blood flow and causes tissue death. Leakage of corrosive chemicals from the battery can also contribute to injury, though electrochemical burns are the primary and most immediate threat.
Immediate Steps After Battery Ingestion
If a battery is suspected to have been swallowed, seek immediate medical attention. Call emergency services or go directly to the nearest emergency room. Prompt diagnosis and removal are essential to prevent severe injury, as time is critical.
Do not attempt to induce vomiting, as this could cause further esophageal injury. Do not give the individual any food or drink, as this could interfere with medical procedures. Avoid home remedies; professional medical care is the only appropriate response. If possible, bring the battery packaging or a matching battery to the medical facility to help identify the type and aid treatment.
Potential Complications and Recovery
If a swallowed battery is not removed promptly, or if significant damage has already occurred, a range of severe medical complications can arise. One of the most serious outcomes is esophageal perforation, where a hole burns through the wall of the esophagus. This can lead to life-threatening infections and require extensive surgical repair.
Other complications include esophageal strictures, which are narrowings of the esophagus that can make swallowing difficult and may require repeated dilation procedures. Tracheoesophageal fistulas, abnormal connections between the esophagus and the trachea (windpipe), can also form, leading to aspiration of food and liquids into the lungs and recurrent respiratory infections. Vocal cord paralysis is another possible outcome, affecting speech and breathing. In the most severe instances, erosion into major blood vessels can occur, leading to significant bleeding and even death. Recovery often involves surgical intervention and prolonged medical follow-up to manage these complex issues.