Drowning (cont.)
What are the risk factors of drowning?
There are two peak ages for drowning: children aged younger than 4 and young
adults aged 15 to 25.
- Children less than one year old most often drown in bathtubs.
- Children younger than age 5 most commonly drown in residential
swimming
pools.
- Young adults tend to drown in larger bodies of water (for example, rivers and lakes).
Neck fractures caused by diving into shallow water are associated with drowning
in this age group. Alcohol is also implicated in up to 50% of drownings in this
age group.
- Medical emergencies that occur in the water can lead to drowning. These may
include, among others, seizures, heart attack (myocardial infarction),
sudden
cardiac death, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar in a person with
diabetes).
What are the symptoms of drowning?
The appearance of drowning can vary widely. A drowning victim may show no
symptoms or complaints, or may be found deceased.
It is the rare person who is found thrashing in water. Instead, most
drownings are unwitnessed and the person is found floating or submerged in the
water.
For those who are alive, they may be anxious, confused, and short of breath.
Again, it is the function of the brain and lungs that are the main concerns in
drowning victims.
Special Situations
Young children may have a mammalian diving reflex. When they are suddenly
immersed in cold water less than 68F (20C), they can stop breathing, slow
their heart rate dramatically, and shunt all the blood flow to the heart and
brain. Though not common, these children may be resuscitated and return to
normal function. Cases have been reported of survival, even after being
underwater for an hour.
Next: When should one seek medical care for drowning? »
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