The kids are out of school, the thermometer is heading for 100 degrees and summertime swimming is in full swing. We obviously agree that swimming is great—but it’s risky. In 2013 Texas saw 82 child drowning deaths — in and out of the water — according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. If a near-drowning occurs, your child could be at risk of swimming-induced pulmonary edema.
Swimming-induced pulmonary edema, also known as secondary drowning, is a lung injury that can occur after inhaling water and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Dr. Devika Rao, a pediatric pulmonologist at Children’s Medical Center, argues that secondary drowning is a misnomer that can unnecessarily alarm parents. “I don’t want parents to think they can’t take their children swimming,” Dr. Rao says.
Secondary drowning may not be very common, but it is thought to happen in about four to five percent of drowning cases. The injury typically occurs when a child inhales a gush of water, either during a near drowning incident or by diving into the water while breathing in instead of holding his breath.
“Secondary drowning refers to a delayed manifestation of lung injury,” Dr. Rao explains, adding that a child may show symptoms as late as 48 hours after the near-drowning incident. This delayed appearance of symptoms can be the scariest thing about pulmonary edema.
“Initially, a child may appear just fine with no signs of breathing problems, but the presence of even a small amount of water in the lungs can eventually lead to this lung injury,” Dr. Rao explains. Symptoms to look out for include coughing that does not cease, fast or difficult breathing, fatigue and sometimes fever.
Dr. Rao says parents know their children best and should feel empowered to judge whether their child’s behavior is abnormal. If your child is having difficulty breathing, take him to the ER, but if the symptoms progress so that your child is not breathing or turns blue, it’s time to call 911.
What’s the best way to avoid pulmonary edema? Keeping an eye on your kids, even after you’ve left the pool. “Young children should be supervised at all times when they are around bodies of water,” Dr. Rao advises.
This article was originally published in July 2014.
