Few calls are as urgent or as frightening as one involving a child who has swallowed a foreign object. When that object is a button battery, the situation escalates to a life-threatening medical emergency. This is a scenario where every second counts, and the skill of the responding physician can make all the difference.
At Kaizen Care, while we focus on comprehensive management of chronic conditions, our expertise is also critical in acute, high-stakes emergencies. This case study from our Bilaspur clinic, handled by Dr. Sitendu Kumar Patel, highlights the severe danger of button batteries and the importance of having advanced endoscopic capabilities available when they are needed most.
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The Emergency Call: A Parent's Worst Nightmare
A frantic family arrived at the emergency room in Bilaspur. Their 1-year-old infant had swallowed a small, round button battery from a toy. An X-ray confirmed the worst: the battery was lodged in the upper part of the child's esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
The Life-Threatening Danger of Button Batteries
A swallowed button battery is not like swallowing a coin. When lodged in the esophagus, the battery's current reacts with saliva to create a powerful corrosive alkali, similar to lye. This can cause severe chemical burns and liquefy the surrounding tissue in as little as two hours.
The potential complications are catastrophic: a perforation (hole) in the esophagus, damage to the aorta or windpipe, vocal cord paralysis, and even death. This was a true race against time.
The Challenge: A Delicate Patient and a Corrosive Object
Dr. Sitendu Kumar Patel was called in for the emergency intervention. The case presented several critical challenges:
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The Patient's Age: An infant's anatomy is delicate and small, requiring specialized pediatric equipment and extreme precision.
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The Object's Nature: The battery was already beginning to cause corrosive damage.
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The Location: The upper esophagus is a sensitive area surrounded by vital structures. There was absolutely no room for error.
The Solution: A Swift and Precise Emergency Endoscopy
The only safe way to remove the battery was via an emergency upper endoscopy.
The Procedure
Under general anesthesia, Dr. Patel performed an Upper GI Endoscopy, carefully guiding the thin, flexible endoscope down the infant's throat. The high-definition camera revealed the battery lodged in the esophageal wall, with visible signs of burning already present. Using specialized retrieval tools passed through the endoscope, Dr. Patel was able to precisely grasp the battery and carefully withdraw it without causing further damage to the delicate tissue.
The Outcome
The battery was successfully retrieved in its entirety. A subsequent examination showed the extent of the burn, which, thanks to the family's quick action and the swift procedure, had not yet perforated the esophagus. The child was monitored closely in the hospital and, after a period of healing, made a full recovery.
A Critical Warning for Every Parent and Caregiver
This successful outcome was possible because the parents acted immediately. This case serves as a vital reminder of the dangers of button batteries. Please take these precautions:
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Check all toys and electronics: Ensure all battery compartments are secured with screws. If they are not, secure them with strong tape.
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Store loose batteries safely: Keep all new and used batteries locked away and completely out of reach of children, just as you would with medication.
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Be aware of non-toy items: Button batteries are in remote controls, car key fobs, greeting cards, and flameless candles.
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Dispose of old batteries properly and immediately.
If you are ever concerned about a swallowed object or have questions about digestive health and safety for your child, don't hesitate to seek advice. Call or WhatsApp us at +91 86024 00189.
Expertise When Seconds Count: Why Choose Kaizen Care in Bilaspur?
This case highlights the critical importance of having an advanced, round-the-clock endoscopic facility and a highly skilled specialist available locally. In emergencies like this, traveling to another city is not an option.
Dr. Sitendu Kumar Patel's expertise in advanced therapeutic endoscopy was instrumental in this child's positive outcome. At Kaizen Care, we provide this high level of skill for patients in Bilaspur and across Chhattisgarh, for both planned procedures and life-saving emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Swallowed Objects
What should I do FIRST if I think my child swallowed a button battery?
Go to the nearest hospital emergency room IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait. This is a time-critical emergency. If possible, bring the battery's packaging or a matching battery with you to help the doctors identify it.
What are the symptoms of a swallowed button battery?
Symptoms may not be immediate, but can include drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, coughing, refusing to eat, or chest pain. Even if your child has no symptoms, if you suspect they swallowed a battery, you must go to the ER.
Should I make my child vomit?
NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT. Do not induce vomiting and do not give your child anything to eat or drink. This can worsen the injury. The only safe place for your child is an emergency room.
