Wet Dry Drowning

Overview and Facts

Drowning can be defined as the process of encountering a respiratory impairment from submersion in water. The result of drowning is classified as death, a state of being diseased. Drowning can be classified into two: dry and wet. It differs when the water goes into the lungs. And usually, drowning occurs when victims struggle to breathe while in the water due to specific conditions. In any case of drowning, the outcome does not change.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

The causes of drowning differ depending on the age group.

Babies usually drown in bathtubs
Children most often drown in pools
Teens and adults usually drown in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and the ocean.

Drowning is a silent killer. Once water enters your airways, it will be hard to ask for help or to get back up and shout.

Factors that are significant in drowning

Alcohol – those who drink and swim have a high risk of drowning
Trauma – trauma from injuries. Broken neck or ankle can prevent swimming, especially in deep waters and doing tricks and dives in the water.
Medical emergencies – most often, people who have a heart attack or have seizures while underwater cannot swim back up anymore.

Diagnosis & Medications

TREATMENT

Swimming is an enjoyable activity, and once you see someone signaling for help or just trying hard to stay afloat above water, these are tips that can help you recognize if they need help and to avoid drowning from happening:

Take a closer look at younger children. Ensure someone is supervising them, and someone is near enough to help them if they have swallowed water or drowned.
Watch closely those who are bobbing their head uncomfortably. If you see someone struggling, ask him or her if they need help and make sure they are at a level they are comfortable with to avoid future problems.
Make sure kids are at the right level. Don’t let them wander off alone. Usually, community pools have lifeguards, but don’t let your guard down if the place is crowded.

What can you do when someone is drowning

When someone is drowning, immediately call 911. Then, assess if they are conscious and breathing. Consider if that person has a broken neck.

Check their pulse, and if there’s no heartbeat, start CPR. If you don’t know these steps, wait for help to come or ask someone nearby if they know-how.

However, if there is no heartbeat, CPR is not needed. The hospital or 911 should assess how they are and should take over the patient.

How to prevent drowning

There are precautions you can take to avoid drowning. Here are some of them:

Learn how to swim. Ask someone to teach you or attend a class or school that professionally teaches you.
Do not swim alone. Make sure there are people around or with you when you’re swimming, for you won’t know what will happen while you are underwater.
Never leave alone your babies or infants in the bathtub, sink, or pool. Babies tend to lay on their backs when no one is supporting their necks, make sure someone stays by them at all times to prevent drowning.