Swallowing a battery, especially a button (coin) battery, can be very dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Here is what happens and the risks involved:
What Happens If You Swallow a Battery?
- Button batteries can become lodged in the esophagus (food pipe), where they cause damage very quickly, often within 2 hours. They generate an electrical current that reacts with moisture to produce a strong alkali chemical, causing severe internal burns and tissue damage. They can also leak harmful chemicals, further injuring tissues
- The damage caused by a stuck button battery can include burns to the throat or stomach, internal bleeding, destruction of the voice box, and erosion through the esophagus wall. This can lead to permanent complications such as difficulty swallowing, inability to eat or speak, and in severe cases, death
- Symptoms of swallowing a button battery may include sudden crying (in children), coughing, noisy breathing, drooling, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, vomiting (possibly bloody), chest or abdominal pain, and blood in saliva or stool. These symptoms can worsen as damage progresses
- Larger cylindrical batteries like AAA batteries can also cause harm by producing electrical burns and leaking toxic chemicals such as lithium and mercury. These can cause tissue damage, systemic poisoning, organ failure, and long-term health problems including chronic digestive issues and increased cancer risk
- Batteries swallowed may pass through the digestive system without immediate symptoms, but the risk of serious injury remains, especially if the battery gets stuck or leaks chemicals
What to Do If a Battery Is Swallowed
- Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting or give anything by mouth unless instructed by a medical professional
- Medical evaluation often involves X-rays to locate the battery and determine if it is stuck. Immediate removal is necessary if the battery is lodged in the esophagus
- Early treatment can prevent severe injury and complications. Delays increase the risk of permanent damage or death
Summary
Swallowing a battery can cause:
- Severe internal burns and tissue damage from electrical current and chemical leakage
- Potentially fatal complications if lodged in the esophagus
- Symptoms like coughing, drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, chest or abdominal pain
- Long-term health issues if untreated
Immediate medical evaluation and treatment are critical to prevent serious harm
. If you suspect someone has swallowed a battery, call poison control or emergency services right away.
