Secondary Drowning
Beware of Secondary Drowning in Kids!
Water often seeps in to the lungs while kids are swimming. Generally, the lungs are able to exhale it out. However, fatigue and other unknown factors can make water – little by little – to settle in the lungs. The tired lungs accumulate fluid known as pulmonary oedema. This subsequently hinders the lungs to take in air and the kid collapses.
Dry Drowning
Similar reaction is seen when the kids nearly drown, inhale some water and fail to breathe. As water enters the lungs, the air passages to either of the lungs constricts in a bid to stop water from entering the lungs.
The result: the constricted air tubes don’t allow even air to pass through and the swimmer becomes breathless.
Precautions
- Keep an eye on the swimmer at all times.
- Monitor his behaviour for some time when out of the pool.
- Don’t allow the kid to sleep soon after swimming.
- Allow the kid to swim only when he is fit and energetic.
- Make sure swimmers learn to blow out water while swimming.
- They must be told not be get panicky in the pool and stay within the water level they can manage. Stretching too much can be a problem and it can give rise to secondary drowning.
What to do When the Accident Occur
Find out if the kid is breathless – if so; ensure he is on oxygen ventilation. Take the kid to the doctor or hospital immediately if you are sure that something is wrong in his talking, behaviour, or breathing.
The child must be kept under observation for 24 hours at least to ensure secondary drowning syndromes have gone away.
Parental watch is a must while your child is swimming in a pool.
