Secondary Drowning

Secondary drowning is an outdated, non-medical term for delayed respiratory complications caused by inhaling water. If water enters the lungs, it can cause inflammation and a build-up of fluid (pulmonary edema). If a child or adult has a water incident, monitor them closely and seek emergency care if they show symptoms. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Warning Signs to Watch For

While “secondary drowning” is not a formal medical diagnosis, doctors emphasize monitoring individuals for delayed respiratory distress. Symptoms can appear between 1 to 24 hours after water inhalation and include: [1, 2, 3]

• Breathing Issues: Fast, labored, or difficulty breathing.
• Persistent Cough: Ongoing, heavy coughing that doesn’t stop.
• Chest Pain: Discomfort in the chest area.
• Behavioral Changes: Sudden lethargy, extreme fatigue, irritability, or confusion.
• Other Symptoms: Vomiting or changes in skin color (e.g., paler or bluish). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]