Drowning: Complications

The following are the major diseases or complications that may be contributed to by near drowning:

Respiratory system (J00-J99)

• Pulmonary (affecting the lungs) damage – e.g., pulmonary edema (accumulation of water in the lungs).

Cardiovascular (I00-I99).

• Cardiac arrhythmias (HRS) – due to hypothermia (hypothermia).

Psyche – nervous system (F00-F99; G00-G99).

• Brain damage – due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen).

Symptoms and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)

• Shock – due to hypothermia.

Injuries, poisonings, and other consequences of external causes (S00-T98)

• Trauma – if an accident results in a fall into the water, injuries to the cervical spine or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may occur

Further

• Secondary drowning – The inhaled water enters the lungs. There, inflammatory reactions and edema may occur. Gas exchange is disrupted, resulting in oxygen deprivation, which leads to death if left untreated. In the context of secondary drowning, it can take up to 24 hours before symptoms develop.