Ask a Doctor
Q: What is dry drowning, and should I be worried about it?
A: Dry drowning, or secondary drowning, is a nonmedical phrase for suffocation from fluid in the lungs occurring after the submersion event. It accounts for 1 percent to 2 percent of all drowning deaths, making it extremely rare.
Dry drowning can occur via two mechanisms, either a laryngospasm or aspiration pneumonia. If it happens in the first few hours, it is likely related to a laryngospasm, the closing of the voice box after being irritated by water aspiration. This spasm leads to pulmonary edema, swelling of the lungs, from the negative pressure that occurs with trying to inhale, causing fluid in the lungs and, ultimately, respiratory distress.
If it happens much later, it is likely related to fluid in the lungs washing out surfactant, molecules that aid in lung inflation, and aspiration pneumonia. This is related to a small amount of fluid in the lungs causing the immune system to attack. The immune response causes swelling and fluid to enter, leading to respiratory distress. Dry drowning symptoms include high fever, wet cough and respiratory distress. The main signs of respiratory distress are belly breathing or retractions, pulling in around the base of the rib cage or at the notch of the neck when breathing. A cough with no other symptoms is not indicative of dry drowning.
Being aware of the signs is important, but you should focus more on water safety. Remember to have secure fencing around pools and to always be present when children are around water. Toddlers can drown in as little as 2 inches of water, so being vigilant is important.