Nasal-continuous positive airway pressure in the treatment of near-drowning in freshwater.

In patients who have experienced near-drowning, hypoxemia is the major clinical consequence. We report two cases of patients who have experienced near-drowning in freshwater who were successfully treated with nasal-continuous positive airway pressure (N-CPAP) plus oxygen therapy. Both patients presented a radiographic appearance of bilateral pulmonary edema. We suggest the use of N-CPAP as an easier and less costly alternative to tracheal intubation for treating near-drowning in patients who are breathing spontaneously and who have not experienced loss of consciousness.