Dry Drowning and Delayed Drowning

Stories of dry drowning and delayed drowning circulate every summer on social media, but they rarely occur.

Dry drowning occurs when water causes a person's vocal chords to spasm and close.

Delayed drowning happens when a small amount of water is inhaled and airways become inflamed.

Children should be evaluated in the ER if they have been submerged underwater or have any of these symptoms:

• Congestion
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Abnormal behavior