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Drowning
Breathing difficulty from being submerged in water, which can rapidly deprive the body of oxygen. Fast rescue and resuscitation are life-saving.
Causes & risk factors
- Swimming without supervision
- Weak or non-swimmers in deep water
- Alcohol near water
- Seizures or fainting in water
- Floods and open water bodies
Common symptoms
- Coughing and breathing difficulty
- Choking or gasping
- Unconsciousness
- No breathing (severe)
- Chest discomfort
Tests & diagnosis
- Oxygen level (pulse oximetry)
- Chest X-ray
- Electrolytes
Treatment & management
- Call your local emergency number immediately
- Get the person out of the water safely without endangering yourself
- Start CPR if they are not breathing normally
- Give oxygen and hospital monitoring, as lung problems can appear later
- Keep the person warm
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call your local emergency number now for any near-drowning, even if the person seems to recover
- Start CPR immediately if breathing has stopped
- Always go to hospital, as breathing problems can develop hours later
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about drowning. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why go to hospital if the person seems fine?
Water in the lungs can cause breathing problems hours later, so monitoring is important after any drowning incident.
Should I dive in to rescue someone?
Only if it is safe — reach or throw something to them first, so you do not become a second victim.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.