The term "drowning" is used when a person dies due to a lack of oxygen to the heart and brain. "Near drowning" is when a person has survived after having suffocated in water or another fluid.
Near drowning damages the respiratory system and can cause a build up of fluid in the lungs after recovery. This could lead to pneumonia or even a fatal condition called "late drowning".
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Sadly hundreds of South Africans are victims of drowning each year. In most cases, drowning could have been prevented if simple safety precautions were taken.
Children (especially one to three-year-olds) are most at risk, and supervision is therefore always needed if a child is near water. Even five centimetres of water could pose a risk for a small child. Because of the disproportionate weight of their heads, toddlers can easily topple over and find it difficult to lift their heads to breathe.
It may not always be obvious that a person is in trouble. A swimmer who is struggling to breathe may be unable to call for help. Suspect trouble if the swimmer's strokes become erratic and jerky or stop. Or if the body sinks so that only the head shows above the water.
Spinal injuries are common in diving accidents and should always be suspected.
Signs
Absent, rapid or laboured breathing
Coughing
Cyanosis (bluish colour)
Vomiting
Pale, cool skin
Decreased level of consciousness
Rapid, weak, slow or absent pulse
Swollen stomach
Get help immediately if:
The person is not breathing
The person is unconscious
You suspect a spinal injury
Home treatment
The first principle is safety. Never try to rescue someone if it will endanger your life. Rather call for help.
If you suspect a spinal injury and CPR is not required, don't move the person to land. Keep him lying face up until help arrives. The water will immobilise the spine. If the person has to be moved, slide a board under his head, back and buttocks, taking care to keep the head and neck in alignment.
If the person is not breathing but has a pulse, perform mouth-to-mouth breathing immediately. Don't waste time by trying to drain swallowed water. If the person starts breathing again, he is likely to vomit. Place him on his side with his head lower than his torso to clear the airway. If the person has a spinal injury, take care to keep the head and neck in alignment at all times.
If the person has no pulse, place him on a hard surface and do CPR taking care not to extend the head backwards.
Place the person in the recovery position if there are no spinal injuries.
Keep him warm and treat for hypothermia if necessary.
Call a doctor if:
Someone has nearly drowned even if he has recovered completely. – (Ilse Pauw, Health24)
Children are at risk of severe allergic reactions when they eat kiwi fruit, according to UK research. The two-year survey at Southampton General Hospital showed that children under five were particularly at risk.
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