Dry drowning refers to complications that can occur hours after a person is rescued or resuscitated from a near-drowning incident. These conditions cause serious symptoms such as extreme fatigue, persistent coughing, headaches, or significant difficulty breathing.
Dry drowning or secondary drowning are terms that are common in public conversation, however they are not formal medical diagnoses recognized by the healthcare community. Medical professionals focus on the duration of oxygen deprivation rather than the specific volume of water that entered the lungs.
Despite the terminology, these complications are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate medical evaluation. If you or someone else experiences symptoms after being in the water, go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Main symptoms
The most common signs of "secondary drowning" or "dry drowning" include:
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Headache
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Excessive sleepiness or fatigue
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Foaming at the mouth
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Difficulty breathing
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Chest pain
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Constant coughing
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Trouble speaking or communicating
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Mental confusion
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Fever
Symptoms typically appear within 24 hours of a near-drowning event. It is important to note that an adult or child may initially appear to be breathing normally and can often speak or eat before symptoms begin to manifest.
Possible causes
Secondary drowning occurs when water enters the lungs, leading to irritation, inflammation, and pulmonary edema (swelling). This prevents the body from properly absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, which triggers the onset of symptoms.
While this often happens at beaches, lakes, or pools, secondary drowning can also be triggered if a person accidentally inhales their own vomit.
In contrast, dry drowning is caused by water entering the nose or throat, which triggers a laryngospasm (a vocal cord spasm). This spasm closes the airway to protect the lungs from water, but it simultaneously makes it very difficult for the person to breathe.
What to do if you suspect secondary drowning
Following a near-drowning incident, it is vital for the individual and their family or friends to monitor for any new symptoms for at least 24 hours.
If you suspect someone is experiencing "secondary drowning" or "dry drowning," call 911 immediately to explain the situation or transport them to the emergency department without delay.
Once at the hospital, doctors may provide oxygen therapy and use medications designed to help clear fluid from the lungs. In severe cases, the patient may be admitted to the hospital for mechanical ventilation to support their breathing.
Confirming a diagnosis
A diagnosis is typically made by an emergency physician or general practitioner who will evaluate the patient's symptoms and history of water exposure.
Diagnostic testing may include pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas tests to check oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, along with metabolic panels to check electrolyte balance.
In some instances, a chest X-ray is ordered to check for pneumonia or fluid in the lungs. A CT scan of the head may also be performed to assess for potential brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen.