Drowning is the 3rd cause of accidental death

Accidental death due to drowning is the cause of death according to the Dubai police in the case of Bollywood actress Sridevi.

What causes drowning and how does this incident occur - we bring someinsights about it.

Drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death

Risk factors for drowning include use of alcohol and illicit drugs, hypothermia, seizures, and developmental disorders.

Drowning ultimately produces tissue hypoxia, which affects virtually all tissues and organs within the body.

Foresnic pathology reports of 2013 state that a total of 268 victims were found unconscious or dead during tub bathing.

Postmorterm examination stated that the manner of death was natural cause in 191 cases.

63 cases were of accidental drowning.

Seasonal difference for accidental drowning is also seen where there are more cases in winter.

Victims who took alcohol, had distrubances in mobility, history of epilepsy were found to died in hotbath tub phenomenon.

Causes of drowning in tub

The bathtub is the most common site of seizure-induced drowning, and patients with epilepsy should be told to take showers instead of baths.

Heart attack leading to subsequent falling in the tub. A gasping patient with ventricular arrhythmia will end up with drowning. In post-mortem the coronary arteries will show plaque and rupture of the plaque.

Undetected primary cardiac arrest is a common cause of drowning. As an example, cold water immersion and exercise can cause fatal attacks.

Use of alcohol and illicit drugs (more than 50 percent of adult drowning deaths are believed to be alcohol-related).

Hypothermia, which can lead to rapid exhaustion or cardiac arrhythmias.

Trauma, paralysis or heart attack

Sudden death in a hot bathtub occurs frequently in Japan, particularly among elderly people.

What is the first aid?

If the patient does not respond to the delivery of two rescue breaths that make the chest rise, the rescuer should immediately begin performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Autopsy reprot will find:

In the case of drowning there will be

Fine, white, leathery, copious froth or foam tinged with blood, seen at the mouth and nostrils (Froth is of lasting nature and large in quantity),

Cadaveric spasm in hands

Presence of water in stomach and intestines

The voluminous water logged lungs

The presence of fine froth in lungs and air passages

Studies state that 50 per cent of the victims who die in bath tubs are alcoholized or into drugs.