The High Authority for Health has noted an increase in cases of ingestion of batteries by children despite the awareness-raising actions carried out on the danger they represent if they are swallowed. New recommendations were published on Wednesday February 16.
A dangerous object if swallowed
The button cell batteries in toys, watches or remote controls have a “potentially fatal risk” if they are swallowed by children. They can get stuck in the esophagus and cause severe burns. The HAS and the Society for Clinical Toxicology (STC) find “an increase in France in cases of ingestion of large diameter batteries”. Yet so far, no recommendation defines “precisely” the care of children in the event of an incident.
Avoid spitting out the swallowed battery
In a report published on Wednesday 16 February, the High Authority of Health notes the correct reactions to adopt in the event of ingestion of button battery by a child. The first recommendation advises once morest the idea of making the child vomit so that he spits out the battery. On the contrary, the HAS recommends leaving the child on an empty stomach and quickly calling 15 or a poison control centre.
We must act quickly!
The High Authority of Health emphasizes the importance of acting quickly, as the risk of danger increases over time, especially if the child is 5 years old or younger and the pile has a diameter “greater than or equal to 15 mm”. If the object is stuck in the esophagus, it is urgent to do an upper digestive endoscopy. If it is in the stomach, the press release indicates that sometimes a digestive endoscopy is necessary.
The other recommendations made
HAS and STC have argued for the need for regular, long-term awareness of the risks of ingesting button cell batteries. It is also recommended to “to work with the manufacturers responsible for placing button batteries on the market, including at European level, to promote the manufacture and use of button batteries with a diameter of less than 15 mm, but also to secure devices operating with these batteries”.
