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 where he found the battery and began biting 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 child arrived at the pediatric emergency room fully conscious, without respiratory distress or visible burns in his mouth, but with a slight fever of 37.8°C. Medical examinations, including ENT inspection and X-rays, revealed chemical residue in the intestines but no severe damage.

Due to the potential severity of chemical burns from battery leakage, the child was admitted for observation. During the first night, he began drooling and vomiting, prompting a gastroscopy that showed 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.

Dr. Salah Hatib, head of the pediatric emergency department, and Dr. Said Abu Zaid, pediatric ward director, emphasized the dangers of battery ingestion, which can cause lasting chemical burns to the mouth, esophagus, and digestive tract. They urged immediate medical consultation in such cases and stressed the importance of constant supervision of young children to prevent similar accidents. The child’s mother also appealed to parents to maintain vigilant watch over their children at all times, noting that even a moment’s inattention can lead to serious harm.