Swim season begins as summer is here, but this means that the risk of drowning incidence will be on the rise as well. While many are wary of what can happen in the water, parents need to be aware that drowning can also take place on dry land. This is called dry drowning.
Dry drowning, also known as secondary drowning or delayed drowning, happens in two instances, per Healthy Children Org. The first is when a child's lungs become inflamed and irritated after hours spent swimming in the water. The second occurs despite water never having entered or settled in the lungs. A child can suffocate as the larynx collapses after doing high dives or plunges from the water slide.
Though there are generally less deaths caused by dry drowning than actual drowning, the fact is that it can still happen. Sadly, more often than not, the adults might not be aware that the child is suffering from dry drowning symptoms as this can manifest for hours or days after swimming.
Drowning on dry land? How to watch for "dry drowning" hours after a day in the water https://t.co/mUhUlA45I4
— WPTV (@WPTV) June 1, 2016
In some cases, the children might even appear fine at home, even as something is already happening to their body. Below are some dry drowning signs that parents must watch out for:
- Constant coughing, which indicates that the lungs are struggling or blocked.
- Occasionally vomiting at home, which might be due to the infection.
- Becoming increasingly tired and fatigued.
- Developing fever.
- Experiencing chest pains.
- Breathing problems
- Confusion, sleepiness and losing consciousness.
WPTV advises that parents need to keep an eye on their kids at least within the eight hours after a trip to the beach or pool. Parents should also be aware of what happened in the water earlier. Did the child struggle in the water, but came out okay? Were they on the swimming facilities, like the slide or the diving board?
Doctors advise parents to bring their children to the emergency room immediately if the symptoms get worse so they can be properly examined. "If your child is suddenly sleepy and that seems unusual for the level of activity they had," Dr. Mark Zonfrillo said, per Huffington Post. "That's a sign to seek medical attention," he noted.
