Drowning Causes, Symptoms, Treatment – Drowning Symptoms on eMedicineHealth

Drowning Symptoms

Drowning is a silent killer. Victims may not be able to call for help because they are expending all of their energy trying to breathe or keep their head above water. When water is inhaled, the upper airway or larynx (voicebox) may go into a spasm, making it difficult to cry for help.

The drowning sequence

• The victim struggles to keep his or her head above the water
• After the head submerges or drops below the water surface, breath holding occurs
• When water enters the upper airways, it causes the larynx to go into spasm