Dry-land drowning results from

The phenomenon known as dry-land drowning occurs when a person experiences asphyxia from fluid in the lungs without actually submerging in water. This can happen when the body responds to an injury or stress by producing excessive mucus. In these instances, the mucus can obstruct the airways or interfere with proper gas exchange, leading to suffocation. The body’s natural response mechanism to perceived danger or inhalation of toxic substances can trigger this response, resulting in a similar effect to drowning even when the person is not in water.

Understanding this response is essential in recognizing the symptoms and implementing appropriate rescue and treatment strategies. The other options, while they relate to water or fuel systems in some way, do not accurately define the mechanism behind dry-land drowning. Inhalation of vapors does not specifically lead to asphyxia in the same manner, absorbing fuel through the skin is more related to toxic exposure than drowning, and drinking water to dilute fuel does not capture the physiological response that causes dry-land drowning.