What is hydrophobia, its symptoms, causes and remedies

Hydrophobia is a symptom of rabies, it means fear of water. This is a serious condition, which is usually caused by rabies infection. In this, the person is afraid of water and is afraid of drinking water or coming in contact with it. Hydrophobia disease does not occur due to the bite of pet dogs. Hydrophobia disease can be caused by the bite or scratching of stray dogs and dogs that eat raw meat. Doctors say that there is a high possibility of this disease becoming severe if bitten by a mad dog.

Symptoms of Hydrophobia

The symptoms of hydrophobia usually begin with the symptoms of rabies infection and gradually become more severe. Here are some major symptoms-

Fear of water

The most prominent symptom of hydrophobia is fear of water. The person feels nervous about drinking water or going near water. There is a spasm and pain in the throat while trying to drink water. This condition can be serious. The person starts getting scared of the amount of water.

irritability and restlessness

The infected individual may experience irritability, restlessness, and abnormal behavior.

confusion and seizures

Symptoms of this disease can also be a person having confusion, hearing strange sounds or having seizures.

muscle spasms and paralysis

Muscle cramps start in the body, tremors in hands and legs, and gradually paralysis starts.

difficulty swallowing

A person suffering from hydrophobia has great difficulty in swallowing, which makes it difficult for him to eat and drink.

It is necessary to get vaccinated

Patients suffering from hydrophobia lose control and start screaming loudly. In case of such symptoms, go to the doctor immediately. It would be better to get vaccinated in time in case of dog or infected animal bite.

Walk around the water

To overcome the fear of water, a patient of hydrophobia should walk around a pond or swimming pool etc. In such a situation, walk slowly and remember not to leave the patient alone. Because if left alone while walking around a pool or pond, the patient may fall into the water.

Causes of hydrophobia

Painful experience

Traumatic experiences such as drowning, being trapped, or experiencing strong emotions can cause a fear of water.

Negative Music

Negative experiences related to water, such as seeing someone else drowning, can also trigger aquaphobia.

Genetics

Certain genetic factors may make some people more susceptible to developing specific phobias, including this phobia.

Cultural or environmental factors

Certain cultural or environmental factors may also play a role in the development of aquaphobia. Living in areas with limited access to water or where water is perceived as dangerous.

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People living there are more likely to develop a fear of water.

other mental health conditions

Individuals with other anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, may also be more likely to develop a fear of water.

Ways to overcome fear of water

Getting acquainted with water

To reduce the fear of water, one can engage in water-related activities such as playing in the bath, playing with water toys in a shallow pool, splashing, or blowing bubbles in the water and overcome the fear.

Learning to swim

Learning swimming from a training can help you get rid of the fear of water. Training will teach you how to swim in water.

learning relaxation techniques

You can deal with your fear of water by learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and visualization underwater.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Taking care of your overall health can be helpful in your efforts to overcome aquaphobia. Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. Incorporating activities you enjoy can help you relax and reduce stress.

Expose Therapy

Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing a person to water in a controlled and systematic way, starting with less anxiety-provoking situations such as being exposed to pictures of water.

Behavior Therapy

Behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy that helps a person identify the negative thoughts that contribute to their phobia. In such a case, the doctor or therapist slowly removes the fear from the person’s mind.

Medicine

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage the anxiety symptoms associated with aquaphobia. Anti-anxiety medications or beta-blockers are prescribed to reduce the physical symptoms.

Questions Related to Hydrophobia

What causes hydrophobia?

Hydrophobia is caused by infection with the rabies virus. This is a viral disease that causes severe swelling in the brain.

What is the other name of hydrophobia disease?

Hydrophobia is another rabies disease. The fear of water is technically called aquaphobia, so as not to be confused with rabies.

Hydrophobia is one of the symptoms of the later stages of which disease?

Hydrophobia occurs in the later stages of rabies disease and is a clinical sign of infection.

How did hydrophobia get its name?

Hydrophobia and rabies are two different terms for the same disease. The first term is derived from a Greek word meaning fear of water. It is only in human subjects that we find the fear of trying to drink water, so the term hydrophobia is correctly used only in such a case.

Can people with hydrophobia drink water?

People with hydrophobia cannot drink water. So they may be given fluids intravenously through a drip. Once symptoms of hydrophobia develop, death usually occurs within a few days. Usually due to cardio-respiratory arrest.