Drowning and near-drowning. Pathophysiology and therapy.

Drowning is one of the three leading causes of accidental death. Dry drowning, the type in which no water enters the trachea, responds readily to resuscitation efforts. The current concept of drowning recognizes few differences between saltwater and freshwater aspiration; the therapeutic approach is the same for both types. The physician should be prepared to deal with the drowning victim at the scene of the accident as well as in the hospital. Hospitalization for observation is necessary in every instance, as adult respiratory distress syndrome may develop and cause secondary drowning.