Drowning
What are dry and secondary drowning, and is there cause for concern? "What are the medical professionals saying?"
During the scorching summer months, individuals seek respite in pools, rivers, lakes, and beaches to beat the heat. While water offers relief from high temperatures, it's essential to prioritize water safety. Recent news reports have brought attention to dry drowning and secondary drowning, leading to concerns among parents. Hearing distressing stories of children seeming fine after leaving the water, only to later lose consciousness and drown unexpectedly, can naturally cause anxiety. "Dry drowning" is a non-medical term used to describe the sudden lung injury that can occur after submersion incidents. This happens when water is inhaled through the nose and mouth, causing the vocal cords to close and preventing air from reaching the lungs. Unlike traditional drowning, "dry drowning. " the lungs do not fill with water. Symptoms can appear within minutes to hours after exposure and may lead to respiratory failure. Despite its seriousness, the chances of death from dry drowning are lower compared to immediate drowning. Healthcare providers often use the term "post-immersion syndrome" instead of dry drowning, and current medical advice leans towards using the term "drowning" rather than "dry drowning".
Secondary drowning is a rare outcome of drowning where water enters the lungs, leading to irritation of the lining and leading to fluid buildup. This fluid accumulation called pulmonary edema can cause the small air sacs in the lungs to swell, impeding oxygen flow to the bloodstream. Symptoms may appear immediately or within 48 hours of the initial water contact. Formerly known as delayed drowning, this condition is now commonly identified by
medical professionals as simply "drowning. However, Dr. Darria, an ER doctor and mother of three, reassures that the situation is not as alarming as it may appear. Here are some tips she
offers parents who have concerns about either scenario:
A persistent or worsening cough that goes beyond a simple case of
swallowing wrong could result in discomfort, vomiting, coughing up fluids, breathing difficulties, no improvement within a few minutes, or a
deteriorating state.
Bluish or grayish discoloration around the lips or gums (or near the eyes) in people with darker skin tones.
Vomiting
Changes in mental alertness can manifest as lethargy, unexpected
responses, or alterations in behavior from their typical self. This instinct is vital, as parents frequently sense when their child is not behaving in their usual manner.
Signs of breathing difficulties include gasping for air, quick breathing, flared nostrils, chest or neck retractions, or, if the child can communicate, a feeling of struggling to breathe
Most children who fall into water typically emerge, cough slightly, and recover quickly with no long-term effects. Moreover, statistically, even if they exhibit any of these symptoms, receiving prompt medical attention usually leads to a positive outcome. While drowning ranks as the second leading cause of accidental death in children and the fifth leading cause for all age groups, both dry drowning and secondary drowning are exceptionally uncommon. Dr. Darria mentioned that the ER staff is searching for signs that could indicate potential cases of drowning
While you may have encountered these stories online, it's important to note that neither of these terms is officially recognized as a medical diagnosis by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other experts. Realistically, various
conditions, such as hypothermia, lung inflammation, or pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs), can lead to issues after a drowning incident (submersion injuries). Physicians focus on conveying these key points to families. Instead of worrying about these terms, prioritize safety during swimming activities and closely supervise individuals in the water. This approach is the most effective in preventing such situations.
