Button battery injury: An update

Area of Science:

• Paediatric Medicine
• Emergency Medicine
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Paediatric button battery injuries pose diagnostic challenges in general practice.
• Unwitnessed ingestions may present with non-specific symptoms mimicking other conditions.
• Limited awareness of the rapid onset of injury from button battery ingestion (BBI) exists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To raise awareness of the rapid, life-threatening tissue injury caused by BBI.
• To emphasize the importance of timely referral for button battery ingestion.
• To provide an update on current management strategies, including first aid in general practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on button battery ingestion management.
• Analysis of case presentations and clinical outcomes.
• Guideline review for emergency department and general practice settings.

Main Results:

• Button battery ingestion is a medical emergency requiring immediate removal.
• Caustic burn injury can occur within 15 minutes of button battery exposure.
• Honey or sucralfate may delay injury while awaiting removal.

Conclusions:

• Urgent removal of button batteries is critical to prevent severe tissue damage.
• General practitioners must be aware of the time-sensitive nature of BBI.
• Prompt referral and appropriate first aid are essential for optimal paediatric outcomes.