Serial pulmonary function studies in survivors of near drowning

Determinations of standard lung volumes, mechanics of breathing, and single breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) were obtained serially in two young patients who survived near drowning in fresh water. These patients were nonsmokers and neither had a past history of lung disease. Pulmonary function studies in both patients revealed a restrictive ventilatory defect with a decreased forced vital capacity and total lung capacity. One patient also exhibited a markedly decreased DLco. No obstructive lung disease was found in either case. All pulmonary function abnormalities returned to normal during the 16-week follow-up period. Near drowning in fresh water did not cause permanent pulmonary dysfunction in these two young patients.