Hydrophobia symptoms of rabies
Feb 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
Rabies-related hydrophobia typically presents with spasms of the throat muscles, difficulty urinating, and breathing difficulties. Rabies is an acute infectious disease primarily caused by the rabies virus. Besides supportive care, there are no specific effective drug treatments for rabies, and the mortality rate is 100%. Within about 7 to 11 days after the onset of symptoms, most patients progress into the final paralytic and comatose stages.
Rabies-related hydrophobia typically presents with symptoms such as spasms of the throat muscles, difficulty urinating, and breathing difficulties.
1. Spasms of throat muscles
Rabies is an acute infectious disease primarily caused by the rabies virus, which leads to symptoms of hydrophobia (fear of water) and aerophobia (fear of wind). The virus invades the central nervous system and spreads to peripheral nerves and the vagus nerve, damaging cranial nerves such as the glossopharyngeal and hypoglossal nerves. This results in laryngeal muscle spasms when the patient attempts to drink water.
2. Difficulty urinating
After the virus invades the central nervous system, it may adversely affect bodily functions, leading to urinary retention or difficulty urinating.
3. Breathing difficulties
Patients may also experience difficulty swallowing or breathing. During periods of excitement, these symptoms occur episodically, with each episode lasting approximately 1–5 minutes, recurring after intervals. These can be alleviated under medical guidance through intravenous fluid administration to provide hydration and energy. Sedative medications may be used if necessary.
In addition, there is no specific effective treatment for rabies, and the mortality rate is nearly 100%. Around 7–11 days after symptom onset, most patients progress into the final paralytic and comatose stages. It is recommended that individuals avoid contact with aggressive or stray dogs in daily life.
