‘Dry drowning’ explained after mum issues horrifying warning over pool incident
A Florida mum has issued a warning about the dangers of 'dry drowning' following her daughter experiencing the freak accident - and here's how to identify it.
Seven years ago, Annie Gallagher's daughter went under the water of her local swimming pool for sheer moments before she re-emerged coughing.
Annie didn't believe there was anything to fear as her daughter appeared perfectly healthy after her dip.
The five-year-old spent the rest of her day laughing and joking with her family.
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But later that evening, disaster struck.
Annie's daughter began making complaints that she didn't feel well so the mum acted quickly and rushed her daughter to the nearest hospital for an examination.
While there, the youngster had an x-ray and oxygen readings taken.
The medical professionals then informed Annie that her daughter had almost 'dry drowned' after inhaling a lot of water earlier in the day.
While dry drowning isn't a medical term, it's ascribed to people who experience a series of delayed symptoms after undergoing an incident in water, or a submersion injury.
There are five symptoms to look out for when trying to identify dry drowning, according to Parents.
Shallow or difficulty breathing
If a child who has been in the water later experiences sped up and/or shallow breathing, as well as nostril flaring, or you can see the space between your child's ribs or the gap above their collarbone when they breathe - seek medical help.
Coughing
Coughing persistently, or coughing that is paired with difficulty breathing, requires medical attention.
Being sick
"Vomiting is a sign of stress from the body as a result of the inflammation and sometimes a lack of oxygen, and also from persistent coughing and gagging," explained Dr Kathleen Berchelmann, a paediatrician at St. Louis Children's Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine.
Fatigue or being more tired than usual
This could be a sign of not getting enough oxygen into their blood. Seek advice from a health care provider before you put your child to bed.
Changes to behaviour
If you pick up on your child being more forgetful than usual, or not acting like their usual selves, this could signal a change in their oxygen status, so speak to a medical professional for clarity.
Looking back on her daughter's experience with dry drowning, who is now 12 years old, Annie said: "She is and always has been a strong swimmer since she was raised in the water.
"She inhaled water as she jumped in, but she seemed OK and wanted to go back to playing, which she did."
She added: "I remembered an article I’d read on Facebook before my daughter was even born about dry drowning.
"I called friends for advice, and they tried to ease my concern, but I couldn’t shake the sinking feeling in my gut."
The mum continued: "She had suffered a drowning event. It only takes a teaspoon of water to cause inhalation pneumonia, which she had.
"She had begun to slowly suffocate as she drowned in her own fluids that were flooding her lungs."
Annie concluded: "I want parents to know these things happen. More than anything, though, as a parent, trust your instincts.
"Mine saved my daughter’s life."
Kya Buller