Children are curious, lively beings who fill their days with exploration. However, there are situations that may occur at the beach where parents should pay attention to small signs that something might be wrong.
One such case is when a young child seemingly experiences a fall into deep water without any apparent serious injuries, but later on, significant health problems may arise. This phenomenon, known as "secondary drowning" in the field of medicine, is mysterious and concerning.
What is secondary drowning?
Secondary drowning is a mysterious phenomenon observed in young children, where the child seemingly survives an immediate and apparently severe fall into deep water without any visible injuries, but several hours or even days later, serious health problems may develop. In most cases, the child submerges in a lake or pool with a depth exceeding their height. It can also occur during bathing in a bathtub.
The cause of the phenomenon
The exact cause is not fully understood. However, current medical knowledge relies on two main theories:
Aspiration of water: During the fall into deep water, the child can easily inhale water into their respiratory system. When this water reaches the lungs, it can trigger aspiration pneumonia or other severe respiratory issues that can be life-threatening.
Delayed effects of airway obstruction: During the fall into deep water, injuries that also affect the airways may occur. This blockage of the airways may not cause immediate problems, but later on, it can lead to severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, choking, and oxygen deprivation, which can result in serious circulatory and brain damage.
Prevention and precautions
Taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of shallow water blackout, but it is also essential to be aware of the danger and not to underestimate it.
To prevent the tragic consequences of secondary drowning, it is crucial for parents to maintain continuous vigilance and caution during their child's bathing or water activities.
Here are some important prevention tips:
Supervision: Never leave a young child unattended near water. Continuous supervision and keeping them within arm's reach are necessary, even if the child is already a proficient swimmer.
Swimming lessons: Start swimming lessons for children at a young age. Learning to swim is not only enjoyable but can also become a life-saving skill.
Life-saving techniques: It's essential for parents to learn life-saving techniques, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), to be able to provide proper assistance in case of accidents or emergencies.
Cover the pool: If you have a pool at home, ensure it is always covered, and the pool area is securely fenced or gated to prevent young children from accessing it.
Let's take care of each other and take the necessary measures to avoid sad events. If you see an unsupervised child near the water, please keep an eye on them.
Foto: Petra/Pixabay