Spoonful of honey can save a child’s life

The University of Galway research raises awareness of the devastating injuries that can be caused to young children by button battery ingestion.

The study is the first of its kind in Ireland and highlights that children between the ages of six months and six years are at particular risk.

The research revealed that almost nine out of 10 people surveyed were not aware that a spoonful of honey can help delay the corrosive damage caused if a child swallows one of these batteries.

The team also called out concerns around a lack of safety and awareness among the general public over the risks from ingestion as well as inconsistent packaging and safety warnings.

The study has been published in the peer reviewed international Journal of Laryngology & Otology.

Professor Ivan Keogh, Head of the Discipline of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology at the University of Galway and Consultant Otolaryngologist–Head and Neck Surgeon at Galway University Hospitals, said: “In Ireland, button battery ingestion occurs a number of times each year, and in otherwise healthy young children it can lead to devastating, long-term, and sometimes fatal consequences.

“Button battery ingestion is a time critical, life-threatening emergency, but a spoonful of honey can reduce damage until urgent removal under general anaesthetic by experienced consultants.”

Button batteries are cheap and shiny and attractive to young children. They are found in many common household items, such as toys and remote controls.

If swallowed, larger button batteries, especially those measuring approximately 2cm in diameter, can lodge in a child’s upper oesophagus/swallow passage. Within minutes of ingestion, the negative pole of the battery starts generating an electrical current that causes ongoing caustic/burn injury to the lining of the swallow passage.

If the ingestion is unwitnessed, symptoms can be non-specific and lead to a delayed diagnosis. Eventually batteries can erode through the oesophagus into the aorta, leading to catastrophic bleeding and death.

The research, led by Professor Ivan Keogh and supported by Dr Anmol Mahesh and Mr Khalid Majeed as part of a Health Research Board grant, involved a questionnaire-based survey of 561 adults to assess public awareness of this serious and often under-recognised childhood risk.

The research team highlighted the need to educate the public on the dangers of button batteries among consumers including parents, the general public, healthcare professionals and retailers, to prevent further devastating impacts to young children.

Removal of a swallowed button battery is a time critical emergency. Safe removal involves urgent endoscopy under general anaesthetic by experienced consultants.

While some manufacturers are investing in research to develop safer button battery technologies, significant risks to children remain.

According to the National Poison Data System in the USA, button battery ingestions have increased from 745 in 1985 to 3467 cases in 2019. In the US, Reese’s Law was introduced in 2022, which mandates federal safety requirements around button battery use, making their compartments safer and more difficult for children to open.

Professor Keogh added: “Challenges persist regarding the design and marketing of button batteries and public awareness of the risks associated with ingestion. Action is required to prevent further tragedies.”

Pictured: Professor Ivan Keogh holding two button batteries, which can cause devastating internal injuries to a child if swallowed. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy.