Concerns About Dry Drowning After Swimming
Today, I spent time at a water park and now, three hours later, I'm feeling quite unwell. I’m a 23-year-old female weighing about 10.10 stone. Since returning, I've been experiencing a persistent cough that is quite phlegmy, not dry at all, and my nose is also congested. I'm starting to convince myself that I might have inhaled water, as my throat feels unusually dry and scratchy, and I have discomfort in my chest. Right now, I am overwhelmed with panic as I write this. I’m frightened because my online searches yield conflicting information. While I don’t feel fatigued or have a headache—symptoms often associated with more serious conditions—my throat continues to bother me and my lungs feel congested, which makes me anxious about the possibility of water being in my lungs. I'm currently on vacation in Spain and won’t be returning home until tomorrow, which adds to my worry about getting worse. This situation is incredibly distressing and I feel embarrassed about it. I just need some guidance on what to do next.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 4:50:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable that you’re feeling anxious after your experience at the water park, especially with the symptoms you’re describing. It sounds like you may be dealing with post-swimming irritation or an upper respiratory infection rather than dry drowning, which is quite rare and typically requires more severe symptoms to be a concern.
Main Points:
- Your cough and congestion are likely due to irritation or infection, not dry drowning.
- Focus on immediate self-care and monitoring your symptoms.
Explanation:
Dry drowning refers to a condition where someone can experience symptoms after inhaling water, which usually occurs within a very short time after the incident. The symptoms can progress rapidly, and what you are describing, such as a persistent phlegmy cough, scratchy throat, and chest discomfort several hours after swimming, is more likely related to irritation from water exposure or even just allergies or a viral infection rather than water in your lungs. Your lack of extreme fatigue, headache, or significant breathing challenges is reassuring.
Next Steps:
-
Stay Calm: It’s important to manage your anxiety. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that your symptoms are likely not as serious as you fear.
-
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help soothe your throat and thin mucus. Warm teas or broths can also be comforting.
-
Rest: Take it easy for the rest of the day if possible. Give your body time to recover.
-
Over-the-counter Remedies: Consider taking over-the-counter medications like an antihistamine or a decongestant to relieve nasal congestion and throat irritation. Follow package instructions carefully.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch on any changes. If you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a high fever, this would warrant immediate medical attention.
-
Plan for Return: Since you’re on vacation, make a note of your symptoms. If they persist, plan to see a healthcare provider once you return home for further evaluation.
Please remember that it's okay to be concerned about your health. If you are feeling too uncomfortable or your symptoms change, seeking local care would be a wise step. Take care of yourself, and keep focusing on your hydration and rest.
Related Questions
Seeking Help for Ongoing Health Issues
I am reaching out in desperation for assistance! I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered similar health concerns or could recommend medications or specialists I should consider consulting. I'm truly at a loss and need guidance. As a 23-year-old male vegetarian weighing around 48 kg and standing at 5’4”, I have struggled with being underweight since my childhood. This condition has left me feeling utterly drained and overwhelmed. I’m eager to make a change but feel lost regarding where to begin or which healthcare professional to consult. In my youth, I was diagnosed with asthma, which has significantly improved; however, I continue to deal with low immunity, as I frequently catch colds and coughs from minor exposure to cold environments. Additionally, I’ve noticed that for the past few years, my body temperature feels abnormally high compared to those around me. I experience heat more acutely than my peers. Previously, I was quite active and could walk 4–5 kilometers daily without difficulty. Nowadays, even a short walk of 1–2 kilometers or climbing a few flights of stairs leaves me out of breath and exhausted. Even on days of little physical exertion, I feel weak and lethargic, as though all my vitality has been drained. My appetite has always been low, despite my efforts to increase it. I struggle to consume what would be considered an average meal for someone my age. Just two chapatis or a small bowl of rice or lentils fills me up completely, and attempting to eat more causes discomfort. I often find it perplexing how others manage to eat such larger portions. Dining out has become a challenge for me since even half a plate feels overwhelmingly full. Being extremely slender has made it difficult to find clothing that fits well and has adversely impacted my confidence over the years. For around 15 years, I have hesitated to take photographs of myself. Social and professional circles often regard me as younger than I am, sometimes even as a child, which has contributed to my feelings of invisibility and insecurity. My sensitivity to heat has intensified over the last few years. In seemingly normal room temperatures, I start sweating profusely while those around me remain comfortable. During cold weather, even in temperatures as low as 8°C, I don’t wear warm clothing, as I sweat excessively and feel anxious about overheating. The discomfort can escalate to a point where I feel faint from the heat. In my workplace, where the air conditioning is set at a standard temperature, I find it challenging. I begin to sweat visibly, leaving my clothes damp and prompting coworkers to inquire about my wellbeing. I often feel breathless and anxious that I might collapse if I remain there too long. This makes it very difficult to stay at the office or use public transportation, as even air-conditioned buses can feel uncomfortably warm to me. Over the past year, my situation has deteriorated further. I can no longer tolerate hot or even mildly spiced home-cooked meals, which I used to enjoy without issues. Now, even mildly spiced foods lead to excessive sweating, reddening of my face, and an intense burning sensation in my mouth, akin to consuming overly spicy dishes. As a result, my food intake has diminished even more. I often face ridicule for my dietary limitations, and I’m growing weary of trying to explain my condition, especially when my own family doesn't fully grasp the depth of my struggles, which adds to my distress. I am sharing my story because I truly need help. I wish to identify the underlying issues with my health and seek proper medical attention. If anyone has experienced similar problems or can recommend a suitable type of medical professional to consult, I would greatly appreciate your guidance and support during this challenging time. Thank you. 😭
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.