Water is one of the most essential elements for life on earth. It covers two-thirds of the planet’s surface and is also found in the human body in considerable quantity.

However, despite being a necessary component for life, some people experience fear or anxiety towards water. This condition is known as hydrophobia or aquaphobia.

What is Hydrophobia?

Hydrophobia is an irrational fear of water, which can range from mild anxiety to severe phobia. It is a type of specific phobia or anxiety disorder which can lead to avoidance of any situation that involves water.

It is often linked to a traumatic experience which may involve water such as a near-drowning experience, witnessing a drowning, or being in a situation where one feels helpless in water. This fear can also develop due to genetic or environmental factors. Some people may develop hydrophobia due to a pre-existing anxiety disorder or depression.

What are the Symptoms of Hydrophobia?

The symptoms of hydrophobia can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:.

Increased heart rate and breathing rate
Sweating or trembling
Nausea or dizziness
Panic attacks
Avoidance of any situation that involves water, such as swimming, bathing, or even crossing a bridge over water

How is Hydrophobia Diagnosed and Treated?

Hydrophobia can be diagnosed by a mental health professional through a psychological evaluation.

Treatment for this condition may involve psychotherapy or talk therapy which typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) along with exposure therapy.

CBT helps the person to identify and change negative thoughts and belief patterns around water, while exposure therapy helps the person to confront and gradually overcome their fear.

In some cases, medications such as anti-anxiety medications or beta-blockers may be prescribed to manage symptoms.

Is Hydrophobia the Same as Aquaphobia?

Hydrophobia and aquaphobia are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference.

Hydrophobia is specifically a fear of water, whereas aquaphobia is a fear of any water-related situation or environment, such as swimming pools, oceans or lakes. Aquaphobia may also involve a fear of drowning or contamination in water.

Can People be Allergic to Water?

While hydrophobia is a psychological condition, there is a rare medical condition called aquagenic urticaria, which is an allergic reaction to water.

Aquagenic urticaria causes the skin to break out in hives or welts when it comes in contact with water, no matter whether it is hot, cold, or distilled. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the orphic acid or other contaminants in water.

What are the Symptoms of Aquagenic Urticaria?

The symptoms of aquagenic urticaria can range from mild itching or stinging sensation to severe skin rash or respiratory distress. Some common symptoms include:.

Redness, itching or stinging sensation on the skin
Development of pale red bumps or hives in the affected area
Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat in severe cases
Difficulty breathing or wheezing in rare cases

How is Aquagenic Urticaria Treated?

There is no known cure for aquagenic urticaria, but the symptoms can be managed through various treatment options.

Antihistamines or steroid creams can help to reduce skin inflammation and itching, while phototherapy or immune-suppressing medications may be used in severe cases. Avoiding water exposure or using filtered or distilled water can also help to reduce the symptoms.

Conclusion

Hydrophobia and aquaphobia are psychological conditions that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

For those with an irrational fear of water, seeking professional help can be the first step towards overcoming their fear and leading a normal life. On the other hand, aquagenic urticaria is a rare medical condition that causes an allergic reaction to water, and requires proper medical attention to manage the symptoms.

Identifying and treating both these conditions can help individuals live without fear or discomfort.