Dry Drowning
What is dry drowning?
According to the World health organization (WHO), dry drowning results from spasm of the airway due to the presence of water and is rare. It can occur up to a day after swimming without water entering the wind pipe and typically does not occur when the person is actually submersed in water. So it is very difficult to recognize.
Dry drowning is a term which was used earlier. Today the usage of this term is not recommended as it is confusing. Instead drowning is today divided based on its outcomes into: no disease (no morbidity), presence of disease (morbidity) and death.
How does it typically occur?
Dry drowning occurs due to inhalation of water through our mouth or our nose while swimming. This causes the wind pipe to spasm and close leading to difficulty in breathing.
How to recognize signs of dry drowning?
The symptoms typically develop immediately after the person gets out of the water. The symptoms can be mild and in most cases improve with time. But it is important for parents to watch for the following symptoms as this is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention of a health care provider:
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Pain in the chest
- Change in behavior
- Irritability
- Decrease in energy levels or severe exhaustion: for example, your child may be lounging on the couch exhausted after swimming and you may not recognize that the child has symptoms of dry drowning.
- Nausea or vomiting
How is it treated?
Dry drowning is a medical emergency and can lead to death. So, if you suspect that a loved one is suffering from it, then, go to the Emergency immediately. The physician will determine severity by examining the chest and airways and by checking the oxygen levels in blood. A picture of the chest and lab tests may also be required before starting treatment.
Can I prevent dry drowning?
Parents and care-givers can prevent dry drowning by
- Educating children about water safety
- Do not let children or your loved one swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Do not let anyone dive in shallow water
- Encourage your child to swim only in areas where there are lifeguards
- Encourage swimming in pools which are properly guarded
- Observe children when they are in the water and never leave them alone
- Do not encourage head dunking or any rough play while swimming
References
1. http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases-risks/diseases/drowning/en/
2. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0401/p576.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/353766
4. van Beeck EF, Branche CM, Szpilman D, Modell JH, Bierens JJ. A new definition of drowning: towards documentation and prevention of a global public health problem. Bull World Health Organ. 2005;83(11):853–856.
