The signs and symptoms of all types of drowning usually occur right away—it’s rare for symptoms to begin more than a few minutes after the event.
Symptoms of dry drowning include:
- Low energy
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing and/or irregular, fast breathing
- Trouble speaking
- The appearance of the chest sinking in
- Pale or bluish skin color
- Diminished alertness or unusual behavior
- Coughing that does not resolve within a few minutes
It’s important to seek medical attention right away, particularly if the symptoms worsen or don’t subside quickly.