2. Taxonomy of Drowning Incidents

Taxonomy of Drowning Incidents

Drowning is not a monolithic event; its cause and mechanism dictate the specific type, risk factors, and appropriate response. Understanding these distinctions is critical for effective intervention.

Drowning Type	Description	Key Characteristics & Risks
Wet Drowning (Suda Boğulma)	The most common form, where the respiratory tract fills with water.	Caused by inability to swim, sudden cramps, exhaustion, or underlying medical events like a heart attack. The effects of freshwater (rapidly absorbed into the blood) differ from saltwater (causes more severe pulmonary edema).
Dry Drowning (Kuru Boğulma)	A laryngeal spasm occurs in response to water exposure, closing the airway without significant water entering the lungs.	The spasm itself prevents breathing, leading to hypoxia. Symptoms like coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath can appear hours after leaving the water. It is a particular risk for children.
Secondary Drowning (İkincil Boğulma)	Occurs when a small amount of aspirated water causes irritation and delayed pulmonary edema in the lungs.	This is a delayed reaction that can manifest hours or even days after the water incident. Symptoms include persistent coughing, wheezing, extreme fatigue, and confusion.
Foreign Body Obstruction	The airway is blocked by an object, typically food or a small toy.	Common in infants, young children, and adults eating quickly. A partial obstruction allows for coughing, while a complete obstruction prevents breathing, speaking, or coughing.
Mechanical Asphyxiation	External physical force constricts the chest or throat, preventing breathing.	Caused by situations such as compression of the chest, strangulation by cords or belts, or an infant falling face-down on a soft surface.
Chemical Asphyxiation	Inhalation of toxic gases or vapors that prevent the lungs from functioning properly.	Includes carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation from fires, or exposure to chemical leaks like chlorine gas. The substances either displace oxygen or directly damage lung tissue.