What are the symptoms of rabies?
Oct 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
In general, symptoms of rabies include hydrophobia, aversion to wind, photophobia, difficulty breathing, and paralysis of the throat muscles. After infection with the rabies virus, the hypothalamus in the brain is stimulated, affecting the body's water metabolism and regulation. This leads to excessive accumulation of water and heightened sensitivity, resulting in spasms of the throat muscles. If patients experience any discomfort or symptoms, it is recommended to seek prompt medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in treatment.
Generally, symptoms of rabies include hydrophobia, aversion to wind, photophobia, difficulty breathing, and paralysis of the throat muscles. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Hydrophobia
After infection with the rabies virus, the hypothalamus in the brain is stimulated, affecting the body's water processing and metabolism. Accumulation of excess fluid and heightened sensitivity to water can lead to spasms of the throat muscles.
2. Aversion to wind
Rabies is an acute infectious disease of the nervous system typically caused by scratches or bites from infected dogs or other animals. After infection, the central nervous system becomes damaged, leading to ataxia and causing a fear of drafts or wind.
3. Photophobia
After entering the human body, the rabies virus exhibits a strong affinity for nerve tissues, increasing neural excitability. Exposure to light can exacerbate symptoms, which is why patients often experience photophobia.
4. Difficulty breathing
When the rabies virus invades nerve tissues, it lowers the threshold for neural excitation, resulting in pharyngeal muscle spasms and consequently causing breathing difficulties.
5. Paralysis of throat muscles
The most typical phase of rabies occurs during the excitation stage, when patients may experience spasms of the throat muscles.
If a patient develops any of these symptoms, prompt medical attention at a hospital is recommended to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
