Dry Drowning Symptoms Parents Should Know

Do you as a parent know what symptoms to look for to prevent your young child from being a "dry drowning" victim?

With recent news reports most parents are aware of the mysterious death of young children who have died hours after swimming as a result of "dry drowning". Missing in many of these news reports is an explanation of of risk factors and symptoms of which parents should be aware.

While concerned for the health of their children most parents who take their children swimming have become use to small children falling down into the pool water or being temporarily ducked or in the case of swimming in the ocean being knocked over by an unseen wave. The typical reaction is that the child surfaces coughing, spitting water and rubbing his/her eyes.

When should a parent react to the ingestion of water and when should the parent ignore it? (as most of have in the past).

Before addressing this question it is first necessary to understand the risk factors for "dry drowning".

The children most at risk for becoming dry drowning victims are those with known breathing or lung problems. This would include children with under developed lungs, those who have been diagnosed with asthma , or who have previously has pneumonia, or any lung trauma such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

So, the first word of caution, the first red flag, for parents of children with any of these conditions is be constantly alert when and if your child ingests any amount of water.

Symptoms parents should watch for once a child is known to have swallowed water while swimming (any amount) are:

Persistent Coughing:

All children react to unintended swallowing of water by coughing, sometimes crying, and eye rubbing. The thing parents should watch for is coughing which is persistent and continues for an extended period or often long after the water has been ingested. If this coughing continues for as much as 20-30 minutes it may well be an indication of water aspiration into the lungs. Parents should be especially concerned if the child has any of the risk factors above.

Shortness of Breath:

Difficulty in breathing which continues even after the child is no longer swimming (perhaps even on the way home) is a strong indication of water in the lungs and a symptom of the beginning of dry drowning.

Pain in the Chest:

Children complaining of chest pain is very unusual. It is a strong indicator of ingested water and possible aspiration into the lungs. Be aware this is another symptom of dry drowning. Any other complaint of pain following water ingestion is a warning sign and is another symptom of dry drowning.

Confusion:

If the child demonstrates confusion, has trouble understanding verbal instructions or has difficulty verbalizing his/her own thoughts following accidental water intake he/she is demonstrating another symptom of drowning.

Lethargy:

A sudden lack of energy or demonstration of extreme tiredness is a significant symptom. This is especially meaningful when seen in a normally active child.

Doctors suggest that when accidental water ingestion occurs that parent first consider whether their child has any of the high risks (above) for dry drowning. They should then keep their child nearby and observe intently, whether any of the above symptoms are demonstrated. If they are the child should be taken to a doctor or emergency room.

Doctors warn us that this is not a condition which can be treated at home or will go away with time. The only effective treatment is remove the water from the lungs and resupply oxygen to the lung as quickly as possible.

In the absence of timely medical treatment the spasmodic effect of the larynx may cause respiratory failure and eventually respiratory failure shutting off air supply to the lungs and later cardiac arrest.

Please be aware of the risk and symptoms and do not hestitate to get medical attention for any child demonstrating these.