SWEET SOLUTION ON BUTTON

A STAPLE found in every Australian pantry could help kids avoid major damage if they swallow a button battery. Researchers claim honey, when given at 10ml every 10 minutes, could help stop the battery from damaging tissue in children aged over one while awaiting hospital care.

Lithium batteries and those 20mm or larger are more dangerous and can become lodged in the oesophagus.

In Australia, about 20 children a week turn up at hospital emergency departments with suspected button battery ingestions, which can be fatal.