There are a few things in pediatrics that get our heart pumping extra fast. One of the time things on that list is BUTTON BATTERIES. Button batteries are the small disk-shaped batteries often found in watches, key fobs, remote controls and electronics. As we know, children will put anything in their mouths (minus green veggies), and this is where button batteries can cause devastating consequences.

If a button battery gets stuck in a child's trachea, he/she may not be able to breathe. Also, if the button battery is swallowed and goes down the esophagus, it will start dissolving and can erode through the tissue in the esophagus into potentially the largest vessels in the body or other organs. This process can start within minutes.

The best thing to do is to keep anything with a button battery away from your child and make sure that you inspect toys, remotes, etc. to assure that the battery covers are secured.

If you suspect that your child has swallowed a button battery, you need to take him/her to the nearest emergency room. As you head to the ER, you can give your child 2 teaspoons of honey* every 10 minutes to try to coat the battery to decrease the chemical reaction.

*For children 1 year of age or older.