US family warns of ‘dry drowning’ after son’s death
An American family mourning the loss of their toddler son are warning others of the dangers of a condition called dry drowning.
The four-year-old fell over while playing in shallow water and appeared to be fine, but days later his health deteriorated so suddenly that doctors couldn't save him.
Frankie Delgado loved the outdoors, so when he was briefly knocked over by a wave while playing in shallow water, his family wasn't too concerned.
"We thought nothing of it until the next day, he started complaining about stomach issues and had diarrhea," his aunt, Joanna Delgato, said.
Six days later his condition deteriorated.
"Out of nowhere he just woke up and he said 'ahhhh' and he took his last breath. I didn't know what to do no more," said his father Francisco Delgado.
The four year old was taken to hospital, but died a short time later.
"It's what's called dry drowning," his mother Tara Delgado said.
"His lungs were full of fluid. There was nothing else they could do for him."
"Dry" or "secondary" drowning is caused when water is inhaled into the lungs, which become irritated and start to fill with fluid.
"Just a little bit of fluid in the breathing pipe itself can set this process off," said Dr Ivor Douglas, a pulmonary specialist at Denver Health.
Symptoms include difficult or noisy breathing, a change in the colour of lips or fingers, and reduced awareness and responsiveness.
Doctors stress the condition is extremely rare, but parents should keep a close eye on kids for days after they swallow water.
"Don't take anything for granted, if someone doesn't feel good enough, if he has diarrhea, take him to the doctor," Francisco Delgado said.
