A GP has issued a stark warning about the dangers of batteries being swallowed by children during the festive season. The festive period increases the risk as children are more likely to be exposed to small items, such as batteries in Christmas decorations and cards.
Dr. Xand van Tulkken, a resident GP on BBC Morning Live, issued a stark warning about a 'life-threatening' risk that increases during the festive season . He urged parents to be vigilant for symptoms, explaining that children can swallow batteries, an issue he stressed is 'an important topic'. He cautioned that 'although the risk is low, it is life-threatening, and you can reduce it or get it to zero if you are careful'.
The doctor explained that the festive season poses the greatest risk due to the chaos and increased activity, with children able to 'reach and grab, and things go in their mouths all the time'. From bathroom scales to Christmas decorations and cards adorned with small items, all pose a potential hazard. He clarified that 'the issue is not choking, the issue is that these batteries can do serious harm to your insides and the same is true with fridge magnets'. Speaking from personal experience, he described how his own child 'strikes like a cobra' and grabs everything, labelling the swallowing of a battery a 'serious medical problem' - and teething children may be at even greater risk. Dr. Xand demonstrated the dangers of swallowing a battery by placing one between two slices of bacon. He showed how the battery caused a 'chemical burn' that scarred and tore through the meat. He explained that this is what can happen to a child's stomach lining, leading to leakage of stomach contents into the abdomen, which is 'terribly dangerous'. Dr. Xand warned that swallowing a battery can become so bad that it burns through a blood vessel, causing internal bleeding and damage to internal organs. He added that 'the difficulty is that you can swallow a battery the same way you swallow a pea or a piece of sweetcorn'
HEALTH SAFETY CHILDREN Festive Season BATTERIES
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