Drowning Overview

  • Definition:

    • Drowning: Respiratory impairment due to submersion in liquid, blocking oxygen exchange in lungs.

    • Results in suffocation or death.

  • Statistics:

    • 2022: 3,576 drowning incidents in the Philippines.

    • Average of 3,000 annual deaths (0.43% of total deaths).

    • 35.6% of cases involved children under 14 years.

  • Types of Drowning:

    • Wet Drowning: Water enters lungs, causing hypoxia.

    • Dry Drowning: Laryngospasm without water entry.

    • Secondary Drowning: Delayed lung injury after water inhalation.

    • Near Drowning: Survival after more than 24 hours.

  • Common Locations:

    • Bathtubs (infants), pools (young children), ponds/rivers/lakes (older children), toilets/buckets (toddlers).

  • Risk Factors:

    • Lack of supervision, access to water, inability to swim, medical conditions (seizures), risky behavior.

  • Pathophysiology:

    • Initial inhalation → cough/laryngospasm → possible hypoxia/cardiac arrest.

    • Different responses based on saltwater vs. freshwater exposure affecting blood volume.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Severe: Coughing, shortness of breath, cyanosis, agitation.

    • Mild: Apnea, unconsciousness, pulmonary edema, hypothermia.

  • Assessment:

    • Airway, Breathing, Circulation check.

    • History taking: incident location, duration, water type.

    • Physical exam for neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular signs.

  • Nursing Diagnosis:

    • Ineffective airway clearance, impaired gas exchange, risk for infection.

  • Immediate Emergency Care:

    • Rescue and ensure airway/breathing.

    • High-flow oxygen, chest compressions if needed.

  • Post-Resuscitation Care:

    • Monitor for respiratory/cardiac status, emotional support for parents.

  • Health Education:

    • Teach swimming safety, CPR, and constant supervision near water.