SAN DIEGO, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Doctors as well as caregivers need to know button-size batteries pose a child danger, U.S. researchers warn.
The study, presented in San Diego at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, finds doctors as well as caregivers are not aware of the dangers of these very small batteries used in a wide range of products including hearing aids and greeting cards.
The researchers reported on 10 years of case studies at a pediatric hospital. They also conducted a literature review that shows small children may ingest the miniature batteries, either through swallowing or inserting the batteries into their noses.
Many children who ingest button batteries recover with few long-term health issues, but some develop long-term complications such as tracheostomy-tube or gastrostomy-tube dependence, or vocal paralysis that damages quality of life, the study says.
The researchers advise early identification and treatment of button battery ingestion is crucial so pediatricians, primary care, urgent care and emergency room care providers and otolaryngologists need to become aware of the danger.
The study authors also recommend increasing public awareness so the ingestion becomes less likely and industry changes such as improved packaging and button battery markings.
