Mount Isa Hospital's Acting Emergency Department Director, Dr Jay Mueller is warning parents to watch out for button batteries this Christmas, saying they can be fatal to children if swallowed or inserted.
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"So many products and devices in our homes contain button batteries, from digital kitchen and bathroom scales to key fobs, remote controls, calculators, toys, festive ornaments and musical greeting cards.
"They present not just a choking hazard, but if swallowed or inserted in the nose or ear, the battery charge can cause an internal caustic injury," Dr Mueller said.
He advised parents to keep a close eye on products with button batteries, ensuring they are secured. New button batteries need to be kept out of reach and locked away as you would poison or medications.
Old batteries need to be disposed of carefully as they may still have enough of a charge to generate an electrical current if swallowed.
"Symptoms may mimic common illnesses with drooling, vomiting or cough. The child may also have chest pain, abdominal pain and diarrhoea and may refuse hard food, or have a fever," Dr Mueller said. If you think your child has swallowed or inserted a button battery call poisons on 13 11 26 or take your child to the Emergency Department.
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