What should near-drowning patients be cautious about, despite feeling well?

Near-drowning patients, even if they appear to feel well after the incident, must be particularly cautious about the risk of death from accumulated fluids in the lungs, known as secondary drowning or delayed drowning. This condition can occur due to fluid aspirated into the lungs during the near-drowning event, which can lead to pulmonary edema and respiratory distress.

In the hours or days following the incident, symptoms may not be immediately evident. Patients can develop difficulty breathing, coughing, or unusual fatigue as fluid builds up in the lungs, potentially leading to life-threatening situations. It is crucial for them to seek medical attention even if they initially feel fine, as the effects of inhaled water may not manifest right away.

While concerns about injuries from diving or the long-term effects of near-drowning are valid, the immediate and pressing danger is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which can escalate quickly and unpredictably. This highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and medical evaluation for near-drowning survivors.