Recognizing dry drowning and how to handle it

1. What is dry drowning?

Dry drowning is a potentially fatal condition beyond 24 hours after swallowing or inhaling liquid, without any signs of difficulty breathing. This is the term to describe cases in which fluid irritates the larynx, causing it to constrict and close. And when the larynx is constricted, it obstructs and makes breathing difficult. Swallowed liquid appears in inappropriate parts such as areas of the sinuses, lungs, etc.

Dry drowning is described in cases with complex factors such as:

– There is no early dyspnea or signs of hypoxia.

There is little or no water in the lungs.

– No one knows that person has swallowed, inhaled, or been submerged in water

Need to monitor and look after children when swimming to prevent dry drowning

2. Signs and symptoms of dry drowning

Because the signs of dry drowning are difficult to recognize, especially in young children, within 1 hour after the child is out of the water, it is necessary to closely observe the child’s manifestations, to see if signs and symptoms appear. signs of drowning no.

Symptoms of dry drowning:

– The larynx is constricted, so you will cough uncontrollably or continuously

– Chest tightness, difficulty breathing

– Dizziness, lightheadedness

– Drowsiness, always in a dream state, not awake

– It is difficult to talk

– Appearance of foam in the mouth, nose

– Irregular breathing rate

– Irritability, fatigue or decreased energy because the brain is not getting enough oxygen

3. How to deal with children drowning in dry water?

When detecting a child with the above signs, suspecting dry drowning, you need to call an ambulance immediately because this is an emergency situation, needing immediate emergency care.

Try to calm the child so that the tracheal muscles are relaxed, making breathing easier. At the hospital, the doctor will assign the child to take a chest X-ray and perform diagnostic tests to check the child’s airway, heart rate, body temperature, oxygen concentration… timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid dangerous complications.

If the disease progresses, the body functions are returning to normal, the child will continue to be monitored in the hospital from 4 to 6 hours.

In certain cases, the signs and symptoms of dry drowning may go away on their own, but never be subjective. It is necessary to closely examine and observe the child’s manifestations within 24 hours to avoid possible bad situations.

Children need to attend training classes on skills to stay safe in the water

4. Dry drowning prevention

It is necessary to limit the risk of dry drowning in children by:

– Never let children swim or bathe alone

– Always keep a close eye when children are in water

Only allow children to swim in lifeguarded areas

– Equip with life-saving equipment such as life jackets when going through rivers, when swimming…

– Let children participate in skills classes to help them stay safe in the water

– If the family has a swimming pool, pond, or near the lake, it is necessary to pay attention to shielding to prevent children from drowning in wet or dry water.

– Take classes teaching drowning first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation…

In a potentially dangerous situation, parents or relatives need to give first aid to a drowning child properly and quickly take the child to the hospital for emergency treatment and timely treatment.