Button and coin batteries sit inside remote controls, scales, toys, and key fobs, and to a toddler they can look like shiny coins. Even if you didn’t see a swallow, an open battery compartment with a missing battery is reason for concern. Going to the emergency room right away is recommended, even when your child seems fine.

Why It’s Dangerous

Large lithium coin cells are of particular concern. When one lodges in the esophagus, contact with saliva and tissue lets an electrical current flow and a chemical reaction occur, and this can injure the esophageal wall within a short time. In serious cases the esophagus can be perforated and nearby airway or large blood vessels can be harmed. A child can look well on the outside while damage is progressing.

How It Shows Up at Different Ages

Infants and toddlers who explore with their mouths are at highest risk. Symptoms such as cough, drooling, trouble swallowing, vomiting, a hoarse voice, or chest or neck discomfort can look like a cold or stomach bug, so they’re easily missed. A battery that has passed into the stomach still needs evaluation, so imaging is advised even if no symptoms appear.

What to Do on the Way to the ER

  • Call for help or go straight to the nearest emergency department
  • Don’t induce vomiting
  • Don’t let your child eat or drink anything unless a poison expert or doctor tells you to
  • Bring the device, battery packaging, or a matching battery so the type can be identified
  • Note the time of the suspected swallow In the U.S., the National Capital Poison Center guideline says that for children aged 12 months and older who swallowed a battery within the past 12 hours and can swallow, honey given by mouth (about 10 mL, or 2 teaspoons, every 10 minutes for up to 6 doses) may reduce injury while heading for care. The guideline stresses this never replaces rapid removal and should not delay going to the ER. Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for advice.

Common Misunderstandings

“No symptoms, so it’s fine,” “it will just pass in the stool,” and “it’s too small to matter” are common thoughts. If a swallow is suspected, emergency evaluation is advised regardless of symptoms, and the same applies when more than one battery or magnets are involved. Used batteries can still hold a charge and remain risky.

When to Consider Talking with a Pediatrician

If you aren’t sure a battery was swallowed, time still passes while you decide. When a battery is missing and the compartment is open, emergency evaluation is generally preferred over waiting for a pediatrician appointment. To prevent this, secure battery compartments with screws or tape, avoid changing batteries in front of children, and seal used batteries before throwing them away.

Go to the emergency room right away for any suspected button battery swallow, and call emergency services if there is coughing, drooling, vomiting, refusal to eat, bloody saliva or vomit, or any trouble breathing. This information is based on U.S. (CDC/AAP) guidance; if you live elsewhere, check with a local pediatrician for country-specific recommendations. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.