Button batteries in Fiesta medals, trinkets can be dangerous to children, hospital warns [Video]

SAN ANTONIO – Medals, trinkets and toys that light up add to the flashy, Fiesta fun. But, it’s what you don’t see that can be dangerous to a small child.

Christus Children’s is warning parents of the potential, life-threatening dangers when a small child ingests a button battery.

“These batteries can be extremely dangerous,” said Sheila Morin, lead R.N. at Christus Children’s GI lab.

The lithium batteries can be found on the back of some Fiesta medals and in light-up gear.

Should a baby or small child accidentally swallow one, Morin said it can get stuck in the child’s narrow tube and do a lot of damage.

“What happens when the battery is lodged in the esophagus is the esophagus touches the battery in the middle and it is creating a current, and so it can create a burn,” Morin said.

That burn can become severe and even be life-threatening, she said.

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