What happens if a child swallows battery?

Swallowing a battery can be extremely dangerous for a child and requires immediate medical attention. Here's what happens when a child swallows a battery:

1. Ingestion: The child swallows the battery, which can lodge in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

2. Electrical Burn: The battery's electrical current can create an electrical circuit between the battery and the body's tissues. This electrical current can cause burns to the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, or intestines. The severity of the burn depends on the type of battery, its size, and the duration of contact with the body's tissues.

3. Chemical Burn: Batteries contain various chemicals, including lithium, mercury, zinc, and alkaline compounds. These chemicals can leak from the battery and cause chemical burns to the surrounding tissues.

4. Perforation: The pressure from the battery or the electrical and chemical burns can cause perforation or holes in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

5. Internal Bleeding: The burns and perforation can lead to internal bleeding.

6. Blockage: The battery can get lodged in the esophagus or intestines, causing a blockage. This can obstruct the passage of food and cause complications such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation.

7. Toxicity: Some battery chemicals, such as mercury and lithium, can be toxic and cause systemic effects. Mercury can accumulate in the body and affect the nervous system, while lithium can cause electrolyte imbalance and cardiac problems.

8. Death: In severe cases, a swallowed battery can lead to life-threatening complications, such as sepsis (a severe infection) and multi-organ failure.

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if a child swallows a battery. The doctor may use various techniques to remove the battery, such as endoscopy, surgery, or medications to induce vomiting. Timely intervention is essential to minimize the potential harm and ensure the child's safety.