Summer is the perfect time for your kids to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, playing in the water, and having fun with family and friends. However, it's essential to remember that accidents can happen, and as a parent, you should always be aware of the potential dangers of dry drowning. Dry drowning can be a serious and even fatal condition that requires prompt medical attention. In this blog post, we will discuss dry drowning, its causes, and the signs and symptoms that parents should be aware of this summer.
What is Dry Drowning?
Dry drowning occurs when a person inhales a small amount of water through their nose or mouth, causing their airways to spasm and close. This can happen hours after leaving the water, even while at home or sleeping. Dry drowning is rare, but it can be fatal if it's not recognized and treated promptly.
We now turn to nine signs of dry drowning parents and other adults need to recognize as we head into the summer months. By being aware of and understanding these facts, you are in a far better position to recognize dry drowning. This permits you the ability to take prompt action if dry drowning is suspected.
The nine facts, which will be discussed in turn, are:
- Gasping child
- Lethargic child
- Coughing child
- Vomiting child
- Pale or blue child
- Confused child
- Child with chest pain
- Feverish child
- Child who “just doesn’t feel right”
Gasping Child
If a child is gasping for air after being in the water, they may have inhaled water and could be at risk of dry drowning. This is often accompanied by a panicked expression, with eyes wide open and a frightened look on their face.
Lethargic Child
A child who is unusually tired or sluggish after being in the water could be experiencing dry drowning. This is often accompanied by a lack of energy, an unwillingness to play or engage in activities, and a general sense of fatigue.
Coughing Child
A persistent cough, especially if it's accompanied by foamy or frothy mucus, can be a sign of dry drowning. This is often accompanied by a hoarse voice and difficulty breathing.
Vomiting Child
Vomiting after being in the water can be a sign of dry drowning, as the body tries to expel water from the lungs. This is often accompanied by a pale or clammy complexion, and a general sense of discomfort or unease.
Pale or Blue Child
If a child's skin appears pale or blue, it could be a sign that they're not getting enough oxygen and could be experiencing dry drowning. This is often accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and a general sense of confusion or disorientation.
Confused Child
Confusion or disorientation after being in the water can be a sign of dry drowning. This is often accompanied by a lack of coordination, difficulty speaking or communicating, and a general sense of anxiety or panic.
Child with Chest Pain
Chest pain after being in the water can indicate that water has entered the lungs and the child could be at risk for dry drowning. This is often accompanied by difficulty breathing, a tightness in the chest, and a general sense of discomfort or pain.
Feverish Child
A fever after being in the water could be a sign of an infection caused by water entering the lungs. This is often accompanied by a cough, headaches, body aches, and a general sense of weakness or fatigue.
Child Who Just "Doesn't Feel Right"
Trust your instincts as a parent. If your child just doesn't seem right after being in the water, seek medical attention immediately. This is often accompanied by a general sense of unease, irritability, or discomfort, and can be a sign that something is wrong.
Legal Rights After a Child Drowning Accident
If your child has been injured or died in a drowning accident, a Doan Law Firm drowning accident lawyer is here for you. You can schedule an appointment with an experienced, committed, compassionate Doan Law Firm drowning accident lawyer by calling our firm any time of day or night at (800) 349-0000. There is no charge for an initial consultation. Indeed, The Doan Law Firm has an attorney fee guarantee. Our firm will never charge an attorney fee unless we win your case for you.