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
For more information, listen to our podcast about water safety.
Healthy Parenting Podcast Episode on Dry Drowning
Pediatric Pulmonologist Carolina Miranda Torres, MD, explains the meaning of dry drowning (aka secondary drowning or delayed drowning). Dry drowning conversation starts at 16:25.
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Disclaimer: The ideas and opinions presented in this blog post do not reflect the ideas and opinions of Memorial Healthcare System.