Toddler Hospitalized After Chewing AA Battery in Northern Israel Home

A one-and-a-half-year-old toddler from northern Israel was hospitalized at Poriya Medical Center after chewing on an AA battery, which leaked harmful chemicals into his digestive system. The incident occurred when the child’s mother briefly looked away, allowing him to climb to a high drawer, find the battery, and bite into it. The battery’s casing was damaged, releasing chemical substances into the child’s mouth and intestines.

Upon noticing black liquid in his mouth, the mother immediately removed the battery and called her health maintenance organization’s hotline, which advised urgent hospital evaluation. The toddler arrived at the pediatric emergency room fully conscious, with no respiratory distress or visible burns in his mouth, but began drooling and vomiting overnight. His body temperature rose slightly to 37.8 degrees Celsius.

Doctors conducted examinations including ENT checks and X-rays, which showed chemical residues in the intestines but no major damage. Due to the severity of the swallowed substance, the child was admitted for observation. A gastroscopy performed by pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Shadi Artoul revealed mild irritation in the middle esophagus but no significant injury. After two days of hospitalization and treatment with acid-reducing medication, the toddler’s condition improved and he is expected to be discharged soon.

Medical staff emphasized the dangers of household batteries, noting that chemical leaks can cause serious burns and long-term damage to the mouth, esophagus, and digestive tract. Dr. Said Abu Zaid, head of pediatrics, stressed the importance of immediate medical evaluation in such cases and urged parents to maintain constant supervision of young children. The toddler’s mother conveyed a warning to other parents to never take their eyes off their children, even for a moment, as "one second of inattention can make all the difference."