Type Of Drowning Kills Hours After Submersion

School is out, the summer heat is here and there are already local drownings and water accidents.

But what many parents may not realize is there is a form of drowning that's deceptive and kills over time.

It is called "secondary drowning" or sometimes "near drowning." It occurs when a child is submerged in water and comes out coughing and sputtering, and develops breathing problems later.

"They initially look well, and then over -- usually the first six to eight hours, but it can be as much as 24 hours out -- they can develop a lot of increased trouble breathing," says Dr. Erik Schobitz, medical director of the pediatric emergency room at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital.

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