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This is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately, then follow these steps while waiting for help.
Button Battery Ingestion — Always an Emergency
Content reviewed against published AAP, NBIH, CPSC guidelines
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A swallowed button battery (also called coin battery or lithium cell) is a life-threatening emergency. When lodged in the esophagus, a button battery can burn through tissue in as little as 2 hours, causing perforation, internal bleeding, and death. This is a TIME-CRITICAL emergency. Go to the ER immediately — do not wait for symptoms.
Immediate actions
- Call 911 immediately
- Go to the EMERGENCY ROOM IMMEDIATELY — do not wait, do not call your doctor first
- DO NOT: Do NOT wait for symptoms — tissue damage begins within 2 hours
Step-by-Step Response
Go to the ER immediately
This is a time-critical emergency. A button battery lodged in the esophagus can cause life-threatening burns in as little as 2 hours. Drive to the nearest ER or call 911. Do NOT wait for symptoms.
Give honey (if over 12 months)
For children OVER 12 months: give 2 teaspoons of honey every 10 minutes while traveling to the ER (maximum 6 doses). Studies show honey may slow tissue damage from the battery's electrical current. Do NOT give honey to babies under 12 months.
Do not let child eat or drink
Keep child NPO (nothing by mouth except honey as above). Emergency procedures may require anesthesia, and a full stomach increases aspiration risk.
Identify the battery
If possible, determine: battery size (20mm lithium coin cells are most dangerous), type, and how long ago it was swallowed. Bring the device or packaging to the ER. Larger batteries (20mm+) are most likely to get stuck in a child's esophagus.
Call the Battery Hotline
Call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 1-800-498-8666 (available 24/7). They can provide guidance specific to the battery type and help coordinate with the ER.
X-ray at the ER
The ER will take an X-ray to locate the battery. If it is in the esophagus, emergency endoscopic removal is performed immediately. If it has passed to the stomach, management depends on symptoms, battery size, and type.
If battery is in the esophagus
Emergency endoscopic removal is performed immediately. This is time-critical — every hour the battery remains increases tissue damage. Post-removal, the child will be monitored for delayed perforation or bleeding.
If battery has passed to the stomach
If the battery has passed beyond the esophagus AND the child is asymptomatic, the doctor may recommend monitoring with repeat X-rays to confirm passage. Most batteries that reach the stomach will pass without harm within 24-48 hours.
What NOT to Do
- ✕Do NOT wait for symptoms — tissue damage begins within 2 hours
- ✕Do NOT induce vomiting — the battery can burn on the way back up too
- ✕Do NOT let child eat or drink (exception: honey for children over 12 months)
- ✕Do NOT give honey to babies UNDER 12 months — botulism risk
- ✕Do NOT assume it will "pass on its own" without medical confirmation of location
- ✕Do NOT wait to see your regular doctor — go to the ER NOW
- ✕Do NOT attempt to retrieve the battery yourself
When to Seek Help
Call 911 if:
- Any suspected button battery ingestion — time is critical
- Child is drooling, gagging, or refusing to swallow after suspected ingestion
- Child is vomiting blood or has blood in stool after known battery ingestion
- Child is having difficulty breathing
- Child becomes lethargic or pale
- Chest pain or abdominal pain in an older child
Go to ER if:
- ANY suspected button battery ingestion — always go to ER immediately, no exceptions
- Child found playing with a device that is now missing its battery
- Child has a nosebleed that will not stop (battery in nose)
- Child has ear pain and drainage (battery in ear)
- Even if child seems perfectly fine — damage is occurring silently
Call your doctor if:
- You are unsure if child swallowed a button battery versus another object
- Battery has been confirmed by X-ray to be in the stomach and child is being monitored at home — call if ANY symptoms develop
- After discharge from ER, for follow-up imaging or care
Age-Specific Guidance
0-12 months
Babies find loose batteries on floors or get them from accessible devices. At this age, DO NOT give honey (botulism risk). The esophagus is very small, making lodging more likely. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate ER visit and X-ray.
1-3 years
The highest risk age group. Toddlers are drawn to shiny button batteries and put everything in their mouths. They can access remotes, key fobs, and musical cards left on low tables. Honey can be given (2 tsp every 10 min) on the way to ER.
3-5 years
Still at significant risk. May access batteries from toys, flameless candles, or hearing aids (grandparents' homes). At this age, children may be able to tell you they swallowed something — always take them seriously.
Prevention
- Secure all battery compartments with screws — tape over compartments that do not have secure closures
- Keep loose batteries locked away out of reach, including "dead" batteries (they still have enough charge to cause damage)
- Common sources: remote controls, key fobs, hearing aids, flameless candles, musical greeting cards, watches, kitchen scales, thermometers, garage door openers
- Check ALL devices in the home for accessible button batteries — especially those at child level
- Dispose of used batteries immediately in a safe location — do not leave in trash where children can access them
- Buy child-resistant battery packaging when available
- Educate all caregivers and older children about the extreme danger of button batteries
- If a device is missing its battery and you have a young child, assume they may have swallowed it until proven otherwise
- The most dangerous batteries are 20mm lithium coin cells (CR2032, CR2025, CR2016)
Frequently asked questions
Should I call 911 for button battery ingestion — always an emergency?
What should I do first?
What should I NOT do?
How can I prevent this?
Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Emergency Guides
Bottom line
This is a serious emergency. Always call 911 first, then follow the steps above while help is on the way.
You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.