We often talk about water safety especially in the summer months when our little ones are much more likely to be around swimming pools, paddling pools and beaches.
But when you hear about children drowning on dry land hours or even days after they have left the water that can be a terrifying prospect for parents.
On today’s blog we’re talking all about dry drowning and secondary drowning.
What’s the difference?
Dry drowning and secondary drowning aren’t medical terms but they are commonly used to describe very rare complications that can occur following exposure to water and are most common in children.
Dry Drowning:
Dry drowning occurs when someone inhales water into their lungs, which can happen during swimming or even bathing. The inhaled water causes the vocal cords to spasm and close up, making it difficult to breathe. This reaction is immediate and can happen even after the person has left the water. Symptoms of dry drowning typically appear within minutes to an hour after the incident, and they may include:
- Coughing or sputtering
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Extreme fatigue or lethargy
- Behavioral changes, such as irritability in children
Immediate medical attention should be sought if dry drowning is suspected.
Secondary Drowning:
Secondary drowning, on the other hand, occurs when water is aspirated into the lungs, leading to inflammation and impaired lung function over time. Unlike dry drowning, symptoms of secondary drowning may be delayed, often appearing between 1 to 24 hours after the water has been inhaled. These symptoms include:
- vomiting
- persistent cough
- fever
- laboured breathing
- lethargy
- chest pain
The key characteristic of secondary drowning is that the initial near-drowning incident may not seem severe, making it easier to overlook the potential for complications. Anyone who has experienced a near-drowning incident should be closely monitored for at least 24 hours afterward, even if they initially seem fine.
If they symptoms of secondary drowning are present please seek urgent medical advice.
Prevention
Please remember to:
- always watch your child closely in or around water
- only swim in designated swimming areas
- never let your child swim alone
- never leave your baby or child alone near any amount of water even in your home (even a few centimetres of water can be dangerous)
Please share this blog with anyone who may find it helpful.