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DRY DROWNING

Q: I have been hearing a lot about dry drowning, and am worried since I have small children and a pond near our home. Can you tell me about this?

A: Drowning happens when a person is underwater and breathes water into the lungs. A drowning that does not result in death is often called near-drowning. When someone breathes water into their lungs, the lungs are unable to supply oxygen to their body. Even a little water in the lung can cause problems in the next hours or days. When the water actually does reach the lungs it causes pulmonary edema. Dry drowning occurs when a person (usually a child) gets water in their mouth or throat and causes the vocal cords to spasm and close after they have already gotten out of the water. The throat closes up and shuts off the airways. In dry drowning, water never actually gets into the lungs. Symptoms of dry drowning are coughing, chest pain, trouble breathing and feeling extremely tired. If you notice these symptoms after being in the water, medical attention is needed. Both events are very rare. The most important fact about children drowning is to make sure they are monitored and establish good rules about water safety. Avoidance is the best prevention.

Dr. Rick Casey

Questions can be submitted directly to the providers, called in to Mercy Clinic at 417/876-5851 or submitted through their new App mymercy.net.

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