Near drowning is a serious incident that can occur when a person experiences respiratory impairment from being submerged in liquid. Unlike fatal drowning, near drowning means the individual survives the event, at least temporarily. This distinction is important because even if a person appears to recover quickly, the incident can still lead to severe medical complications requiring immediate attention.
Defining Near Drowning
Near drowning describes an event where a person survives after experiencing difficulty breathing due to submersion or immersion in a liquid. This differentiates it from drowning, which results in death.
During a near-drowning event, the body is deprived of oxygen, which can impact major organ systems. This oxygen deprivation can occur rapidly, especially in children. Even though the person survives the initial submersion, the lack of oxygen can lead to significant health issues that develop later.
Recognizing the Signs
Immediately after a near-drowning incident, a person may exhibit signs such as a swollen abdomen, bluish skin, chest pain, or a cough. They might also appear confused, irritable, unusually tired, or experience shortness of breath.
Delayed symptoms can emerge hours or even days after the event. These can include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. Terms like “dry drowning” and “secondary drowning” refer to these delayed presentations where respiratory distress develops after the person has left the water. In “dry drowning,” water irritates the airway, causing spasms that block airflow, while “secondary drowning” involves water entering the lungs, leading to fluid accumulation and breathing difficulties.
The Medical Impact
The medical impact of near drowning stems from oxygen deprivation, known as hypoxia. When the body does not receive enough oxygen, organs such as the brain, lungs, and heart can sustain damage. Brain cells are highly sensitive to oxygen lack and can be irreversibly injured within minutes.
Near drowning can lead to complications affecting the respiratory and other systems. Water aspiration can cause acute lung injury, potentially progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where fluid fills the lung’s air sacs, impairing oxygen transfer. Pneumonia, brain damage, and irregular heart rhythms are other potential consequences. Even if initial symptoms seem mild, medical evaluation is always necessary to assess for internal injuries and prevent further deterioration.
Taking Immediate Action
If you witness or suspect a near-drowning incident, immediately call for emergency medical help. Do not enter the water to perform a rescue unless it is safe to do so and you are trained, as a panicked person can put rescuers at risk. Instead, extend a long object or throw a buoyant device to the individual.
Once the person is safely out of the water, check for responsiveness and breathing. If they are not breathing, begin rescue breaths and chest compressions as part of CPR. For drowning victims, ventilation (rescue breaths) is particularly important. Even if the person appears to recover, they require immediate medical evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Preventative measures are also important for water safety. Supervise children closely around water, ensure proper fencing around pools, and use approved life jackets when boating. Learning CPR can also equip individuals with life-saving skills in emergency situations.