Health A-Z

Drowning prevention is vital to saving lives, as drowning can occur quickly and silently. Understanding the symptoms, treatment plans, diagnosis, and testing associated with drowning can help improve prevention efforts and increase survival rates.

1. Struggling in the Water: Drowning victims often show signs of distress such as flailing arms, gasping for air, or trying to swim but making little progress.
2. Silent Drowning: In some cases, drowning can occur without any obvious signs of distress. Victims may silently slip beneath the water's surface.
3. Unconsciousness: If a person becomes unconscious while in the water, drowning is imminent unless immediate action is taken.
4. Blue Lips or Skin: Due to lack of oxygen, the victim's lips or skin may turn blue.
5. Coughing or Sputtering: After a near-drowning incident, victims may cough or spit up water as they attempt to clear their airways.

1. Remove from Water: Get the victim out of the water as quickly as possible.
2. Check Airway and Breathing: Assess if the victim is breathing. If not, perform CPR immediately.
3. Call Emergency Services: Even if the victim seems fine after being rescued, it's crucial to seek medical attention as complications can arise later.
4. Provide Oxygen: If available, administer oxygen to the victim to help restore oxygen levels in the bloodstream.
5. Monitor: Keep a close eye on the victim for signs of secondary drowning, which can occur hours after the initial incident.

1. Physical Examination: A healthcare professional will assess the victim's vital signs and conduct a physical examination to check for signs of water inhalation and any related injuries.
2. Chest X-ray: This can help identify any signs of water in the lungs or other respiratory issues.
3. Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check oxygen levels and electrolyte balance, which can be affected by near-drowning incidents.
4. Pulmonary Function Tests: These tests measure lung function and can help determine if there's any impairment due to water inhalation.
5. CT Scan or MRI: In severe cases or cases with suspected head or spinal injuries, imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs may be performed to assess for trauma.