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How dangerous is dry drowning?

On Behalf of | Sep 3, 2022 | Uncategorized

Your backyard quickly becomes your kids’ and their friends’ favorite place when you have a swimming pool. While kids swim, you must ensure they have a safe time. Even the strongest swimmers can have accidents. Dry drowning or secondary drowning can happen following the time in the pool.

According to WebMD, dry drowning and secondary drowning are not medical terms but explain the complication.

What are the signs of dry drowning?

Secondary drowning occurs when water gets into the lungs. This can happen when children splash or dunk each other in the water. When water enters the lungs, it irritates the lining and fluid builds up. You will notice the child has trouble breathing right away.

Children who experience complications after swimming may complain of chest pain, trouble breathing and may have a persistent cough. If the kid does not receive enough oxygen to the brain, he or she may become irritable or tired.

What do you do if you suspect dry drowning?

Children should not experience breathing problems when they get out of the pool. If they struggle to breathe or cough, they may immediately require medical attention. In some cases, the symptoms do fade on their own, but if they continue to worsen, it can become an emergency. Children may require an x-ray to check their lungs and receive supportive care during the visit. Fortunately, most children can recover if given the proper medical attention.

Ensure all children understand water safety to avoid accidents in your family pool. Even if you have a shallow pool, small children can still drown.