After Button Battery Removal in Children: What to Expect at Home

Your child had a procedure to remove a button battery that was stuck in their throat, stomach, or esophagus. The esophagus (say “ee-SOF-uh-gus) is the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach. The doctor used a thin, lighted tube (endoscope) to remove the battery and check for any damage. Your child was asleep during the procedure.

Your child may need to stay in the hospital to be watched. How long your child stays may depend on where the battery was stuck and what injuries it caused. Your child will need a follow-up exam and imaging tests in a few days and again in a few weeks.

Problems from swallowing a button battery can show up weeks to months later. Your child may need to go to follow-up visits for a few months or longer. The doctor will let you know what to expect.

• Have your child rest when they feel tired.
• Your child can do normal activities when it feels okay to do so.

• Give your child clear liquids to drink, such as gelatin, water, ice pops, and clear broth. If swallowing liquids is easy for your child, then try soft foods like bread or bananas. Add other foods when the doctor says it is okay, usually in about 4 weeks.

• Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart any medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about your child taking any new medicines.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Do not give aspirin to children and teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
  • Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.

To help prevent your child from swallowing things that are harmful, take these steps:

• Store harmful things out of sight and out of reach of your child. Use childproof latches on all cupboards and drawers.
• Keep items that use small batteries out of reach, such as remote controls and key fobs. Make sure battery compartments on toys are secure. They are secure if you need a screwdriver, coin, or other tool to get to the batteries.
• Check all areas of your home for anything harmful. Know which things are especially harmful if swallowed, such as:
  • Small objects, including button batteries, pins, magnets, and screws.
  • Cleaning products, including detergent pods, bleach, furniture polish, and drain and toilet bowl cleaners.
  • Personal care products, including nail polish remover, cosmetics, mouthwash, and perfume.
  • Products you might store in the garage or shed, including antifreeze, gasoline, windshield washer fluid, paint thinner, insecticides, and weed killer.
  • Household plants. Many are poisonous if they are chewed or ingested.
  • Alcohol, marijuana products, tobacco products, and vaping (e-cigarette) liquids.

Be sure to keep the phone number for the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) in your phone.