Near-Drowning(Drowning; Submersion Incident)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionNear-drowning is when a person has almost drowned from not being able to breathe due to being under a liquid, such as water. CausesThis problem is caused by a liquid filling the lungs and blocking normal breathing. Risk FactorsThings that may raise the risk of this problem are:
This problem is more common in young boys between 5 and 14 years old. Risk factors for children are:
SymptomsSymptoms may be:
DiagnosisA physical exam will be done. Near-drowning is diagnosed based on events and symptoms.
TreatmentThe first goal of treatment is to restore breathing as soon as possible. This may be done with:
Medication may be given to treat infection in those who were exposed to liquids that may be dirty, such as sewage.
PreventionTo lower the chances of near-drowning:
RESOURCES:American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics https://www.healthychildren.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Red Cross http://www.redcross.ca Children’s Health and Safety Association of Canada http://www.safekid.org References:
Near-drowning. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/near-drowning. Updated May 31, 2019. Accessed December 10, 2019.
Szpilman D, Bierens JJ, et al. Drowning. N Engl J Med. 2012 May 31;366(22):2102-2110. Last reviewed September 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
James Cornell, MD Last Updated: 8/4/2020 |
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