Delayed or dry drowning

MomRN0913 · May 4, 2014

I was just discussing this with a friend. Isn't " dry drowning" essentially aspiration? Depending on the severity they could need ventilators support and antibiotics.

the sad thing is they usually are found is such a state before it's too late

EricJRN, MSN, RN · May 4, 2014

Delayed drowning (secondary drowning) and dry drowning (laryngospasm during immersion in water) are separate issues. The two conditions got mixed up in that news story about the 10-year-old South Carolina child and the story has been circulating on Facebook for several years.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 4, 2014

Welcome!

Thread moved for best response.

Are you a student? What exactly are you asking?

Dry drowning includes forceful spasms of the vocal cords and larynx — called a laryngospasm — that are the body's attempt to shut down the passage of any liquid into the lungs. It also shuts down passage of air and can cause liquid to be forced into the stomach and lungs.

Delayed drowning happens after a problematic incident in the water, wherein water is actually forced into the lungs and not discovered until it's too late...enough water has entered the lungs to cause a drop in blood oxygen levels, and death may occur between one and 48 hours later. Just enough of the water has entered the lungs to cause damage/irritation that can lead to respiratory difficulties.