Dry Versus Secondary Drowning
Many people often use the terms “secondary drowning” and “dry drowning” interchangeably. Nevertheless, they are actually different conditions resulting from underwater injuries. People with dry drowning tend to inhale a small amount of water through the mouth and nose, which triggers an airway spasm. On the other hand, water can enter the lungs in secondary drowning and lead to swelling or inflammation. As a result, it makes people much harder for the body to transport carbon dioxide and oxygen. The time of onset is also different. Dry drowning often occurs after 1 hour, while secondary drowning might happen after up to 1 day. Despite these differences, both conditions are equally dangerous and require medical attention. [2]
