You can drown hours after leaving the water. Here's how
Digital Reporter
Wednesday, July 4, 2018, 9:55 AM - Since 2005, more than 3,000 people in the U.S. alone have died from 'dry drowning', a phenomenon where a person drowns on dry land, hours after being submerged in water. While the phenomenon is rare, it's something worth keeping in mind. Here's what you need to know, including how to spot the warning signs.
WHAT IS DRY DROWNING?
"Dry" or "secondary" drowning occurs when a person inhales a large amount of water into the lungs, typically when swimming.
Inhaling water can cause the vocal chords to spasm and close hours after leaving the water. This can obstruct airways and result in difficultly breathing and, in some cases, death.
Consuming large amounts of water can also cause life-threatening health complications.
Earlier this year, a four-year-old girl developed a serious lung infection after swallowing a rush of water from a pool noodle. The little girl immediately vomited, but appeared fine within thirty minutes.
Days later, after experiencing severe flu-like symptoms, doctors discovered her lungs had become infected from the incident.
(READ MORE HERE: LITTLE GIRL DEVELOPS SERIOUS LUNG INFECTION AFTER SWALLOWING LARGE AMOUNT OF POOL WATER)
WHO DOES DRY DROWNING AFFECT?
Dry drowning can happen in adults, but it's more common in small children.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DRY DROWNING?
According to the Lifesaving Society, some signs of dry drowning include:
- Throat or chest irritation
- Coughing or wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Fever
Any child that is rescued from the water should be evaluated by a medical professional, even if they appear fine. Experts recommend monitoring your children for signs of dry drowning for a period of 24 hours after swimming.
HOW CAN DRY DROWNING BE PREVENTED?
WebMD recommends:
- Keeping a close eye on your child closely when they're in or around water and never let them swim alone.
- Only allow your child to swim in areas that have on-duty lifeguards.
Experts say it's important to keep a close eye on children in any body of water. Dry drowning doesn't just occur after a dip in the pool or ocean: It can also occur following time spent in a bathtub or kiddie pool.
Sources: WebMD | Medical News Today | The Lifesaving Society
