Child inhaled bath water - 111?

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Posting for traffic because I’ve read horror stories that I think aren’t true.

DC (7) was in bath, mucking about splashing on their tummy, singing, and inhaled a lot of water. I was right there, pulled her out immediately, she was bright red coughed a lot, really struggled to breathe for about 5 mins then threw up a lot, coughed a bit for about 10 mins after. Shaken but fine now (been 40mins). Keeping her up for a bit to keep an eye.

Would you do anything more? Should I call 111? According to webmd secondary drowning is a myth, but there is small risk of infection (signs are cough/fever), I can’t find any nhs info and I don’t want to be sent to the hospital unnecessarily by 111. I’m still shaken

The hospitals are so busy, they won't send you there unless totally necessary.

Phone them for advice rather than a bunch of unqualified strangers.

I would call 111 for advice x

Yes I think worth calling 111 for advice

I would phone for advice as she struggled to breathe.

Thanks all, trying to get through now

Yes, I'd call 111 as well and don't feel guilty if they do send you to the hospital. She'll most probably be fine but better to get her checked out if deemed necessary by 111.

Yes give 111 a call

It's obviously not the best source but they always seem worried about secondary drowning on Saving Lives at Sea, and I would assume that lifeboat-people would would know if it was a risk or not?

I would call 111 too.

We'd class this as a near drowning incident, you're doing the right thing calling 111

And secondary drowning is absolutely not a myth. It's caused by water being inhaled into the lungs before the airways have had a chance to close.

@Gladioli23

It's obviously not the best source but they always seem worried about secondary drowning on Saving Lives at Sea, and I would assume that lifeboat-people would would know if it was a risk or not?

Yes I’d assume they know more about it that most

Gosh I'd never heard of this!! Hope she is OK op.

This happened to my son the other day, he was struggling to breath while vomiting so I dialled 999. He perked up whilst on the phone then the hospital line called me back to check on him and went through with what to look out for ect. I put him in my bed that night

But he was fine! It was bloody terrifying

Observe her for an hour or so. Infection won't be an issue today, and unlikely to occur anyway. If she is breathing normally, not coughing, has no chest pain and is a normal colour I wouldn't worry about it.

111 will almost always send you to hospital for something like this. Be prepared for a long night.

My 7 yo ds has done this and it also scared me, dragged him right out etc, but had clearly inhaled water. I kept him in my bed that night cos id also heard of dry drowning. Perhaps just let her sleep with you tonight and be alert? My ds was fine btw.

My dd did this in the sea, only just with coughing, and we were told to take her to A and E due to the (small but possible) risk of secondary drowning. She was fine, but it is something to be aware of.

111 have told us to go to A&E, Just waiting for DH to get home

My ds did this and it was horrifying. He was ok, but definitely calll 111 for advice.

Ah bless you. Best that she gets checked out. Best take some supplies with you, perhaps a tablet for her? As you might be there a while.

I hope A and E isn't too crazy: hopefully nothing will be wrong, I'm sure it is likely to be a very low risk but it sounds like it is for the best to get it checked out and make sure she's okay.

We were on the beach when it happened to us, and it was the (older, v experienced) life guard who told us to go to A&E .
Hope all is fine, it is sensible to get checked .

Well A&E dr was massively unimpressed 111 sent us there. Obs all fine so sent home.