Dutch emergency rooms treat at least 38 kids per year who swallowed a battery

Every year, emergency rooms in the Netherlands treat at least 38 children after they swallow a battery, according to research by the Emma Children’s Abdominal Center at Amsterdam UMC. Young children, in particular, tend to swallow batteries, and the consequences can be severe for this age group, even leading to death, according to the researchers.

This is the first time in the Netherlands that researchers tallied the cases of children ingesting batteries. The researchers examined all cases between 2018 and 2021. They found that kids particularly swallow loose, small, round button batteries. About one in seven of the batteries came from toys.

“Due to their size and shiny appearance, these batteries seem to be particularly attractive to children,” the researchers said. It mainly concerns young children who often put small objects in their mouths.

The 38 children per year figure only includes those who went to the hospital or a pediatrician. “So the actual number will be higher,” said Angelika Kindermann, pediatric gastroenterologist at the Emma Children's Gastroenterology Center.

In about 17 percent of the cases, there are complications like damage to the esophagus or bleeding. In severe cases, the child could die. “A swallowed battery can therefore cause a life-threatening situation. Parents must seek medical help immediately,” Kindermann said.

Children who swallow a battery often have symptoms like difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, or vomiting. In some cases, the child shows no symptoms until serious damage has occurred. “It is important that doctors and parents are alert,” Kindermann said. “Prompt removal of the battery can save lives.”

The researchers urge toy manufacturers to ensure that batteries are properly secured and to put clear warnings on packaging. They also call for more awareness among parents and doctors.