label: Hydrophobia
label_lc: hydrophobia
description: "The word hydrophobia has been used to describe the avoidance of drinking in the presence of hydrophobic spasms that can be observed in human rabies (described as a blockage in the throat with worsening of dyspnea). However, rarely, the same word has been used to describe panic reactions observed in a patient when offered a glass of water. This term does not refer to the latter meaning."