Near drowning

About Near drowning

Defined as a person almost dying because they were underwater and unable to breathe. The official definition is survival for greater than 24 hours after being rescued. It is estimated 6,000-8,000 people die from drowning every year. The most common causes of near drowning are: drinking alcohol, head injuries, attempted suicide, falling through thin ice, poor swimming abilities, leaving small children unattended around bodies of water, and trying to save someone who is drowning. After removal from the water immediate CPR if the person is not breathing is essential to survival. Up to one third of near drowning patients suffer moderate to severe brain damage.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include: abdominal distention, bluish skin of the face and extremities, chest pain, cold skin, pale appearance, confusion, cough with pink frothy sputum, lethargy, no breathing, restlessness, shallow or gasping respiration, unconsciousness, and vomiting.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical will be performed. Further testing will be determined by the severity of the associated injuries and how long the patient was under water.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, EKG, Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

Basic life support should be started immediately for those who are not breathing and CPR for those without a pulse. Treatment in the hospital will depend on the associated injuries and how long the patient was under water. Some patients will be able to go home after a period of observation, while others will need admission to the hospital. The main treatments in the hospital are support of breathing using a breathing tube and ventilator (breathing machine), if necessary, maintaining the blood pressure, and protecting the brain if there was neurological injury.

Medical specialties

Pulmonology · Pediatric Pulmonology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Near drowning.