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Drowning - Frequently Asked Questions

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sunil Shroff, MBBS, MS, FRCS (UK), D. Urol (Lond) on Aug 01, 2023


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctors attend to a case of Drowning?

An emergency care physician is ideally suited for such cases. However any doctor or life-guard on the beach or swimming pool can provide basic life support to someone who has been rescued.

2. Is drowning painful?

Drowning may be a painful and distressing event owing to water entering the lungs and causing asphyxia. However, the experience might differ depending on factors such as water temperature, physical condition, and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.

3. Can a fish drown?

Yes it is possible although they live underwater. This happens when there isn't enough oxygen in the water. Fish can also die from a lack of oxygen in fish tanks that lack proper filtration.

4. What does drown in a dream mean?


Dreams about drowning might indicate feelings of exhaustion and stress in daily life, whether at work or at home, and can signify the inability to catch one's breath or find a moment of calm.

5. What does drowning feel like?

Drowning may be a terrible and distressing event, causing asphyxia and difficulties breathing when water enters the lungs. As the person's body runs out of oxygen, they may get disoriented and lose consciousness. Inhaling water can worsen asphyxia, perhaps leading to cardiac arrest.

6. How many people die from drowning per year?

Drowning deaths are estimated to be 236 000 globally.

7. How much water does it take to drown?

The amount of water required to drown varies according on size, age, and physical condition, although even a small amount of water in the lungs can be fatal. It is not the volume of water that causes drowning, but how it enters the lungs and affects respiration and oxygen supply.


8. Can you drown from drinking too much water?

Drinking an excessive amount of water can lead to a condition called water intoxication or hyponatremia. This occurs when the kidneys can't process the water fast enough, leading to a dangerous imbalance of electrolytes, particularly sodium water intoxication can lead to seizures, brain damage, coma, and in severe cases death, but it is rare and typically occurs only in extreme situations. It is not a part of drowning and it comes under water intoxication.

9. How to get water out of lungs from drowning?

Compression on chest can help with the person lying flat or on the tummy.

A medical procedure called bronchoscopy may be used to remove water from the lungs.

10. How long does it take to die by drowning?

The time it takes to die by drowning can vary depending on factors such as water temperature, physical condition, and circumstances surrounding the incident.

11. What is Tempe Arizona police incident on drowning?

In Tempe, Arizona, a man drowned while police officers were present. Despite the man begging for help, the officers did not enter the water to try to save him. The police officers did not have the necessary training or equipment to perform water rescues, and their protocol is to call the fire department or use a police boat in such situations.

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