Death from drowning in which water never actually enters the lungs occurs in approximately what proportion of all drowning deaths?

• A About 1 percent
• B About 10 percent ✓
• C About 30 percent
• D About 50 percent

Explanation

In roughly 10 percent of drownings, contact of water with the larynx triggers intense reflex laryngospasm that persists until death, so the lungs contain little or no aspirated water. This is called dry drowning, and autopsy shows an asphyxial picture rather than waterlogged lungs. Because the classical signs of drowning are absent, diatom analysis and scene findings become especially important. Figures of 30 percent or higher would make the wet type the minority, which is incorrect.

Reference: Knight's Forensic Pathology, 4th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.