Incident of Near-Drowning
Earlier this evening, approximately at 6:45 PM, my three-year-old daughter experienced a near-drowning situation. I had momentarily turned my attention to a conversation for just about 15 seconds. During that brief absence, I cannot determine exactly how long she had been struggling, but I know she was not entirely submerged the whole time, as she managed to get some air in between. As soon as I realized what was happening, I quickly rescued her. She was coughing and crying due to her distress. I comforted her by holding her close and gently patting her back. After a couple of minutes, she threw up. Fortunately, she has been doing well since that incident. However, after learning more about the risks associated with "secondary drowning," I am uncertain whether I should take her to the emergency room considering the nature of the incident, the immediate symptoms, and the vomiting—a combination of factors that worries me—or if I should simply keep an eye on her at home since she shows no current symptoms. I appreciate any advice you can offer.
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 4:10:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
I’m glad to hear your daughter is currently doing well after that frightening incident. It’s understandable to be concerned about the risks associated with near-drowning and potential complications like secondary drowning.
Main Points:
- Secondary drowning is a risk after a near-drowning incident, but your daughter's immediate symptoms have improved, which is reassuring.
- Monitoring her symptoms closely is essential, and you should be aware of any changes.
Explanation:
Near-drowning can lead to complications where water that enters the lungs causes inflammation or fluid accumulation, which may not be immediately apparent. Secondary drowning symptoms can develop hours to days after the incident and include trouble breathing, persistent coughing, unusual tiredness, or changes in behavior. The vomiting you observed might be due to the stress of the incident or swallowing water, but it is important to stay vigilant.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor her closely for the next 24-48 hours:
- Watch for any signs of difficulty breathing, persistent cough, extreme tiredness, or changes in behavior.
- If she shows any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
-
Keep her calm and comfortable:
- Provide reassurance and let her rest. Keep her hydrated, but don’t force her to drink if she doesn’t want to.
-
Document her symptoms:
- Write down any changes, even minor ones, and note the times they occur. This can help if you need to consult a healthcare professional later.
If at any point you feel unsure or her condition worsens, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Trust your instincts as a parent. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to her health. Please let me know if you have any other questions or need additional guidance.
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