HomeAnswersPulmonology (Asthma Doctors)coughWill inhaling saltwater affect the lungs?

I inhaled seawater. Will it affect my lungs? What is the natural way to treat this?

Share
I inhaled seawater. Will it affect my lungs? What is the natural way to treat this?

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Divakara. P

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 19, 2014
Reviewed AtFebruary 2, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 25 year old man with normal BMI. I inhaled salt water while swimming at the beach. Will it affect my lungs? What is the natural way to treat this?

Answered by Dr. Divakara. P

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Seawater or salt water by itself is harmless to the lungs. The worst you may get is few days of cough because of lung irritationfrom the salt present in the water.

At present, if you are not having any problem then there is nothing to worry. But there are chances of you developing an infection if the water is contaminated with bacteria.

In that case, you might get a fever anda productive cough lasting for weeks. In case you develop a high fever or an excessive cough, get a chest x-ray done.

Next time when you are in a similar situation, you can sit down on the cot, bend down the upper half of your body (like when you pick something from the floor while lying on the bed) and voluntarily cough for 10 to 15 minutes. By this way, the inhaled water can be expelled.

Revert back with the x-ray reports to a pulmonologist online for further follow up. ---> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/pulmonologist

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Divakara. P
Dr. Divakara. P

Internal Medicine

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

coughchest x- rayfever

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy