Which symptom is associated with respiratory distress from dry drowning?

Difficulty breathing is a key symptom associated with respiratory distress from dry drowning. Dry drowning occurs when a person inhales water, which can cause the airway to spasm, resulting in the inability to breathe effectively. This leads to decreased oxygen levels in the body and can quickly escalate to a state of respiratory distress.

While fever could indicate an infection and chest pain may suggest a variety of concerns, they are not typically direct symptoms of dry drowning. Excessive coughing can occur in several scenarios, but it is not as definitive a symptom of dry drowning as difficulty breathing. Thus, observing a lifeguard or caregiver noticing a person struggling to breathe serves as a clear indicator of serious respiratory issues stemming from this condition.