Summer is definitely a time for frolic and fun. For most families with children, a lot of summertime hijinxs tends to take place in or around water. Recently, a warning has been issued by doctors across the country about the dangers of “dry drowning”.
Earlier this month, a four-year-old in Texas, died of the condition within several days of swimming with his family in the Texas City Dike. “Out of nowhere he woke up and he said, ‘Ah,’ and took his last breath,” the boys father said in an interview.
Although dry drowning is very rare, it can occur in any body of water, including the bathtub, and the phenomenon accounts for 1 to 2 percent of injury drowning and it is the second-leading cause of death among children.
Symptoms of dry drowning can manifest as a result of a child being under water and getting water in the back of their throat. Fluid can then get into the child’s lungs, causing a chemical reaction, making it difficult to breathe. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, extreme fatigue and irritability.
Time is of the essence if a child is experiencing any of these symptoms. Parents need to seek urgent medical attention immediately, where it can be determined if it’s viral or a case of dry drowning. Victims can make a full recovery with treatment.
The most important key to a successful summer is prevention. Make sure that children receive proper training because the better equipt they are to swim, the safer they will be in the water.
