[neilep (OP)]

First of all, the last thing I want to do is cause offence. I am shocked and distressed at the terrible circumstances that have followed as a consequence of the Earthquake in Asia and if anyone feels this question is inappropriate please tell me and I will delete it. My thoughts are with the families and friends of anyone who has a connection with this disaster.

My question is....why does the human body become inflated as a consequence of drowning or being left in water for so long ?

As I said, if this is too indelicate then please tell me, else your answers will be greatly appreciated.

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'

[MooseHole]

No offence taken, neilep.

The diets in the affected regions are mainly based on rice.  You know what happens when you add water to rice, don't you?  That's right, a delicious side dish.  But also, the rice gets bloated.  Therefore, people who eat rice and drown get bloated.

[neilep (OP)]

Thanks Moosehole, I appreciate your answer but I have the seen the same symptoms in animals too and though your answer is logical I wonder if there is another solution, because surely the rice would not have an effect on the faces, arms and legs of those people like I have seen., could it be either the manifestation of gases or an expansion of gases already in the body perhaps ?

thanks

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'

[MooseHole]

Oh, I didn't actually watch the news or anything, so I thought you just meant that their bellies are bloated.  In that case, maybe they're all allergic to salt water.

[neilep (OP)]

That's ok...it's my fault for not explaining my question properly, I can see how you came by your answer and realise I should have been more precise, now that I've elaborated further hopefully an answer will ensue.

Thanks again

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'

[DrPhil]

Putrefaction, the principal component of the decomposition process, begins at about day 2. Gasses produced by the metabolic activities of the anaerobic bacteria first cause a slight inflation of the abdomen. The carcass may later assume a fully inflated, balloon-like appearance.

[Corbeille]

Bodies found in inland waters also inflate. The rice explanation doesn't hold up as it assumes that the rice dries out in the stomache and there were many non-Asian victims of the tsunami.
Putrefaction is the most accurate reason.



 Nah pop no style, a strictly roots!

[neilep (OP)]

Thank you Mike and DrPhil for your addition to this thread. Seems like your answers...........is the answer.

Thanks again


'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'