What is the definition of secondary drowning?

The definition of secondary drowning refers to a condition where water that has been inhaled into the lungs leads to delayed respiratory distress. This can occur after a person has been submerged in water, even if they initially appear to be fine. Symptoms can manifest hours after the incident, including coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, which are signs of the lungs being compromised due to the small amounts of water that have entered them. This condition is crucial for lifeguards and medical responders to recognize, as it requires prompt assessment and potentially immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications or worsening of the victim's condition.

In contrast, the other options either describe immediate physical reactions or specific scenarios that do not encompass the broader and more critical implications of secondary drowning.