Water In Lungs???

[horseshoes]

Just over a week or so ago, my very healthy sister was in the sea, and got knocked over by a large wave. She swallowed and likely inland a lot of water. Afterwards she was coughing so much she couldnt breathe and at two in the morning had to be taken to A& E. im assuming she was given an Xray, and was given antibiotics. On Friday she was coughing so much and felt so ill she had to go home from work. She's seeing the GP this afternoon. I'm really worried about her. What could be the problem, and what should be done? Thank you.

[Old_Geezer]

After over a week I'd have thought any water was out.

If it has given her an infection the antibiotics will hopefully sort it. I suspect it's just a question of time. She got unlucky.

[Sqad]

\\\ What could be the problem, and what should be done? Thank you.\\

Not a lot to both questions.

\\On Friday she was coughing so much and felt so ill she had to go home from work.\\

Is that last Friday or today?

If she was bronchitic or asthmatic before the incident, then I would have thought that inhaling sea water might well be beneficial.

O-G makes a good post.

[horseshoes]

Thanks both. That was today Sqad. OG probably more antibiotics then! I'll report back.

[Sqad]

\\\\\\OG probably more antibiotics then! \\\\\

No not necessarily. He may listen to her chest and if all is clear.......NOTHING to be prescribed.

There may well be some spasm or musical noises coming from her chest, then perhaps an inhaler.

No big deal.

[woofgang]

i recall long ago from my cpr training that salt water inhaled gets absorbed into the tissue of the lung very quickly and doesnt hang around to cause problems. its the lack of oxygen that drowns you if you see what i mean. it will cause inflammation though and lots of coughing will make it worse and inflame the airway.

[horseshoes]

Update. X-ray came back clear, but coughing hasn't stopped. She is now on a course of steroids, so hoping that does the trick.