b'Lithium Battery InjuryChapter hapterChapterIn Australia, about 4 children each week present to an emergency department with an injuryrelated to a button battery. Children under 5 represent the greatest risk.When a coin-sized lithium button battery becomes lodged in the throat, saliva triggers an electrical current. Thiscauses a chemical reaction that can severely burn the oesophagus in as little as two hours. Button batteries pose a severe and little known risk to children. The batteries are often invisible to adults, as many devicescome with the batteries already installed.Where do you find button batteries Remote control devices e.g. devices that unlock car doors (car key remotes) Calculators, Hearing aids, Bathroom scales Reading lights, Flameless candlesTalking / singing books and greeting / musical cards Household electronic devices, MP3 speakers, garage door remotesBattery operated toys, Cameras, Computer accessories, Wrist watchesPreventionChildren under 4 are at the greatest risk. Check your home for any items that may contain coin-sized button batteries. Place devices out of sight and out of reach of small children. Keep loose or spare batteries locked away. How To RecogniseSymptoms of the coin-sized button battery ingestion may be similar to other childhoodillnesses, such as coughing, drooling, anxiety and discomfort. Once burning begins, damage can continue even after the battery is removed. A swallowed battery may cause no symptoms at all, but if it becomes lodged in the oesophagus or stomach, the following signs and symptoms may occur:Abdominal pain, Bloody stoolsCardiovascular collapse (shock)Chest pain, Gastrointestinal inflammationHole in the oesophagusNausea, Metallic taste, Vomiting (possibly bloody)If the child inserts the battery up their nose and breathes it further in, the following symptoms may occur:Breathing difficulty, Coughing, Pneumonia (if the battery goes unnoticed)Possible complete respiratory failureHow To ManageDRSABCDEnsure Ambulance is called 000 - Explain that you suspect a coin-sized button battery. If possible, provide the medical team with the identification number found on the batterys pack Do not induce vomiting / Give nothing by mouthRest and reassure in the most comfortable position (the child may prefer to sit upright and not lay flat)While waiting for Ambulance, closely monitor patient for response (and any altered conscious state) airway, normal breathingCommon Illness and Ailments 225'