DROWNING, NEAR-

 Basic information

description

Near drowning results from being submerged in water or other fluid and almost dying. Children under age 4, young adults (ages 15 to 24), and males are often the victims.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Fast or slow heartbeat.
• May be unconscious.
• Anxious appearance.
• Skin may be bluish-white, cold, and pale.
• Coughing or vomiting.
• May have breathed foreign material into lungs.

causes

In most cases, a person under water attempts to breath and aspirates (breathes in) water into the lungs. In some cases, a spasm of the larynx (voice box) cuts off oxygen to the lungs. Both cases lead to a lack of oxygen in the body and can result in unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, and other major problems.

risk increases with

• Not able to swim or overestimating swimming ability.
• Alcohol or drug use combined with water activity.
• Accidents from diving, surfing, water skiing, boating, or scuba diving.
• Seizure, stroke, or heart problem while swimming.
• Unsupervised children in or near water. This includes swimming pools, bathtubs, or pails of water (such as used for mopping).
• Falling through thin ice.
• Attempted suicide.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Have all family members learn to swim.
• Adult supervision of children near water.
• Install a fence around a home swimming pool. Always be sure that pool gates are locked.
• Never swim alone.
• Don't drink alcohol or abuse drugs and swim.
• Wear life jackets in boats.
• Scuba divers should be fully trained, use proper caution when diving, and avoid risky dives.

expected outcomes

• With mild symptoms, patients are usually sent home after 6 to 8 hours in the emergency room/hospital. Complications are unlikely.
• More severe symptoms require extended time for treatment and could result in complications.

possible complications

• Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
• Lung infection.
• Permanent brain damage.
• Heart problems, including cardiac arrest and death.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• If the victim is unconscious and not breathing, yell for help. Have someone call 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or medical help. Don't leave the victim.
• Try to warm the person with whatever means are at hand (blankets, towels, jackets).
• Begin mouth-to-mouth breathing and CPR if needed.
• Don't stop rescue effort until medical help arrives.
• The near-drowning victim should be taken to the nearest hospital for intensive care even if the victim has become conscious. Complications may occur several hours after the near drowning.
• Emergency care usually includes supplemental oxygen, body temperature control, maintenance of the body's electrolytes and blood sugar levels, and prevention of complications. Treatment for any injuries will be provided.

medications

• Drugs used for treatment may include:
  • Cortisone drugs, to prevent or treat inflammation of the lungs.
  • Antibiotics, to prevent lung infection.
  • Bronchodilators, to enable oxygen to enter the lungs.
  • Anticonvulsants, to prevent seizures.

activity

Complete bed rest for at least the first 24 hours.

diet

Nutrition may be provided through a vein (IV) while in the hospital. After recovery, no special diet is needed.

 notify our office if

• Someone appears to have drowned. Call for emergency help immediately!
• Cough, shortness of breath, or fever develop after treatment.

Special Notes: