Girl, 4, critical after swallowing battery that burned hole in throat | World | News
Camila Romero, from Southern California, was taken to the doctor after suffering from a persistent fever that lasted for a week. Initially, doctors believed she may have had a viral illness, but further tests revealed something far more serious.
At her mother’s request, Camila underwent a chest X-ray to check for pneumonia. It was during that scan that medics discovered a button battery lodged in her throat.
Her mother, Cassandra Tafolla, said the damage caused by the battery was severe. “It burned a hole in her oesophagus,” she said. “Where it burned a hole is really close to where our lungs part. From the hole to her lungs, it’s only about an eighth of an inch from each other.”
Button batteries, also known as coin batteries, are small, flat, circular power cells commonly found in everyday items such as watches, remote controls, key fobs, hearing aids and children’s toys.
Medical experts warn they are particularly dangerous if swallowed. When the lithium inside the battery reacts with saliva, it can create a chemical burn capable of destroying tissue in less than two hours.
Doctors at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital were able to remove the battery, but the extent of the damage to Camila’s throat and upper respiratory system meant she had to be placed into a medically induced coma.
She has now been in a coma for two weeks and remains in a critical condition, with her parents anxiously awaiting further updates. Another surgery is expected to be scheduled in the coming days, pending approval from her medical team.
Her parents said they had never been aware of the risks posed by button batteries before the incident. They are now urging other families to be vigilant, warning that the small, shiny batteries can be easily mistaken for harmless objects by young children.
A fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover the family’s mounting medical expenses and loss of income while they remain by their daughter’s side.
More than $16,000 (around £12,600) has already been raised towards a $22,000 target, which is approximately £17,300.
In a message shared on the fundraiser page, organisers said the goal is to ease the financial pressure on the family so they can focus entirely on Camila’s recovery.
Supporters have continued to donate and send messages of encouragement as the young girl fights for her life.
