What happens during drowning?
Drowning occurs when water comes into contact with the larynx (voice box). • After an initial gasp, there is an initial voluntary breath holding. • This is followed by spasm of the larynx and the development of hypoxemia (hypo=low + ox=oxygen + emia=blood), or decreased levels of oxygen in the bloodstream. • Lack of oxygen causes aerobic metabolism to stop, and the body becomes acidotic. If not corrected quickly, the lack of oxygen in combination with too much acid may lead to problems with the electrical conduction system of the heart (cardiac arrest) and lack of blood supply to the brain. • As body function declines, the larynx may relax and allow water to enter the lungs. However, up to 20% of drowning victims have persistent spasm of the larynx, and no water is aspirated (this was formerly known as “dry” drowning). What are the complications of drowning? • Hypoxemia causing brain damage is the major complication in drowning victims who do not die. • Direct lung tissue damage becaus
