A Family's Nightmare: The Day Everything Changed

In October 2023, Kasey Allen's life took a terrifying turn when her 16-month-old son, Asa, accidentally swallowed a button battery. While tidying up their RV, Kasey was unaware that Asa had grabbed a remote, dropped it, and swallowed the battery that fell out.

Urgent Trip to the ER

Moments later, Kasey noticed something was dreadfully wrong. Asa exhibited alarming symptoms: excessive drooling, flushed skin, and unusual fussiness. After about an hour, he began coughing up black flakes—the battery’s outer coating. Without hesitation, Kasey rushed her son to the emergency room.

The Alarming Statistics

According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, over 3,500 button batteries are swallowed each year in the U.S. Symptoms of ingestion include noisy breathing, difficulty swallowing, and abdominal pain. If lodged in the throat, these tiny lithium batteries can cause serious injuries, including burns and esophageal perforation.

A Long, Grueling Recovery

Kasey's journey since that fateful day has been anything but easy. She describes the process as "long, disappointing, and exhausting" for the family. Asa endured weeks of IV nutrition and months of hospital visits, struggling with swallowing for over 18 months.

Going Viral: Raising Awareness

Kasey has turned to TikTok to share Asa's recovery story, reaching millions and raising awareness about the risks of button batteries. One of her videos, showcasing Asa's 27th dilation treatment, gained over 5.5 million views. Thankfully, after seeking a second opinion, Asa has zero scarred tissue in his esophagus following treatment and has been free of G-tube feeding since February.

A Powerful Message to Parents

Kasey urges parents to be vigilant about household items containing button batteries and to ensure they are securely fastened. She emphasizes the importance of knowing the symptoms of battery ingestion. A life-saving tip she learned too late? Administering honey, which may slow down the battery’s corrosion.

Community Support and Advocacy

Kasey has received an overwhelming amount of support online, with many parents expressing gratitude for her informational posts. She advises those facing similar challenges to find support groups and advocate tirelessly for their children.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Kasey's experience serves as a critical reminder about the dangers of button batteries and the importance of awareness. By sharing her story, she hopes to educate others and prevent such harrowing experiences from happening to more families.