types of dry drowning
Dry Drowning vs. Wet Drowning. In the drowning sequence, laryngeal spasm occurs by water entering the upper airways. In most drowning cases, the spasm relaxes and water enters the lungs. Historically, this was known as a wet drowning. In 10% to 20% of drowning cases, the laryngeal spasm does not relax and no water enters. This was known as dry drowning. It is now felt that there is no clinical difference between wet and dry drowning and the distinction does not affect patient treatment or outcome.
Dry drowning is a medical emergency where a patient is unable to pull oxygen out of the air as a result of fluid on the lungs. The patient will die if not treated as a result of the oxygen deprivation and medical intervention is required quickly for people in this situation.
Over 20 respirations per minute could be a red flag for dry drowning. Check for persistent cough, pain in chest and mood or mental status change. Lethargy or increased agitation when lying flat, sweaty skin or color changes such as pale, or blue/grayish color are signs of poorly oxygenated blood.