Signs & Symptoms
Signs & Symptoms of Button Battery Ingestion
If swallowed, button batteries can cause lasting damage to the oesophagus and airway in less than 2 hours.
If left untreated, a button battery can cause serious injury or death.
Some of the key signs and symptoms of button battery ingestion include one or more of the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Coughing
- Grunting
- Breathing difficulties
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Lethargic
- Diarrhea
- Black, dark green or bloody Stool
What to do if you suspect a button battery ingestion
If your child has any signs associated with swallowing a battery or If you think a child has swallowed a button battery, do not wait for symptoms to appear, call an ambulance (000 in Australia) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
For more information please visit https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Safety_Button_batteries/