Cody Casey
The giant panda is a fascinating species of bear native to the bamboo forests of central China. With their distinctive black-and-white colouring, they have become a symbol of vulnerable species. While their lifespan in the wild is estimated to be between 14 and 20 years, pandas in captivity can live much longer, with some even exceeding 30 years of age. In this paragraph, we will explore the factors contributing to the longer lifespan of captive pandas and the challenges they face in the wild.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration of symptoms | Symptoms can last 4-6 weeks if the underlying infection is detected and treated rapidly. However, symptoms can re-emerge if the patient is reinfected. In some cases, symptoms can last for months or even years and progressively worsen over time. |
| Treatment | There is currently no cure for PANS or PANDAS. However, treatments such as IVIG, plasmapheresis, steroids, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, antibiotics, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help minimize the severity of symptoms. |
| Severity of symptoms | The severity of PANS or PANDAS symptoms can range from mild to severe. Severe cases are defined as those in which the symptoms are incapacitating, life-threatening, or occupy 71%-100% of waking hours. |
| Age of onset | PANS or PANDAS typically first appear in childhood, from age 3 to puberty, with an average age of onset between 4 and 10 years. While it is rare, adults can also be diagnosed with PANS or PANDAS. |
| Cause | PANDAS is caused by a strep infection. PANS can be triggered by various infections, such as Lyme disease, influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, or Coxsackievirus, as well as immune system issues or environmental factors. |
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What You'll Learn
- PANS/PANDAS symptoms can last 4-6 weeks if the underlying infection is treated quickly
- Symptoms can reoccur and worsen with each episode
- In severe cases, PANS/PANDAS symptoms can be incapacitating, life-threatening, or occupy 71-100% of waking hours
- There is no cure for PANS/PANDAS, but treatments can minimise symptom severity
- Symptoms can last for months or years and progressively worsen over time
PANS/PANDAS symptoms can last 4-6 weeks if the underlying infection is treated quickly
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are autoimmune conditions that typically affect children. PANDAS is a subtype of PANS and is specifically associated with streptococcal (strep) bacterial infections, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. PANS, on the other hand, can be triggered by various infections, immune system issues, or environmental factors. Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and Coxsackievirus have also been associated with PANS.
The symptoms of PANS/PANDAS can vary widely from child to child and can include a combination of psychological and neurological conditions. Common symptoms include tics, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, anxiety, depression, mood changes, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-like symptoms. In some cases, PANS/PANDAS can cause more severe symptoms, such as significant weight loss due to eating restrictions, extreme impulsivity, and suicidal ideation. These severe cases warrant aggressive treatment.
The symptoms of PANS/PANDAS typically occur in episodes, with periods of flare-ups and relapses. These episodes tend to get longer and worse after each recurrence of infection. Therefore, preventing infections during the healing process is crucial. The symptoms of PANS/PANDAS can last 4-6 weeks if the underlying infection is detected and treated promptly. However, it is important to note that symptoms can re-emerge if the patient is re-infected. Additionally, symptoms may increase in severity and duration with each episode.
Currently, there is no cure for PANS/PANDAS, but treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, plasmapheresis or plasma exchange (PEX), antibiotics, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help minimise the severity of symptoms. IVIG therapy involves the intravenous administration of immunoglobulins, which has been proven to help most children with PANS/PANDAS. However, it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness, and there is a risk of infection. Plasmapheresis is a process that removes harmful autoantibodies from the bloodstream. Antibiotics are used to treat active strep infections and can help prevent strep-triggered exacerbations. CBT can help children manage the mental and emotional difficulties associated with PANS/PANDAS.
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Symptoms can reoccur and worsen with each episode
PANS and PANDAS are episodic disorders, meaning that symptoms may disappear for extended periods and then reappear. The symptoms of PANDAS and PANS can last 4-6 weeks if the underlying infection is detected and rapidly treated. However, symptoms can reoccur and worsen with each episode. If a child with PANDAS gets another strep infection, their symptoms may worsen. Symptoms may get increasingly severe with multiple recurrences.
The symptoms of PANDAS and PANS are varied and can include a combination of psychological and neurological conditions. The most commonly reported symptoms are tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder-like behaviour. Other symptoms include anxiety, depression, bedwetting, changes in mood or personality, disinterest in food, fidgeting, symptoms similar to ADHD, and changes in motor skills.
In severe cases, symptoms can be incapacitating or life-threatening. For example, extreme impulsivity, such as a child attempting to jump off a roof because they think they can fly, or suicidal ideation or self-injurious behaviour. In these cases, aggressive treatment is warranted.
There is currently no cure for PANDAS or PANS, but there are treatments that can minimise the severity of symptoms. Antibiotics can be used to treat active strep infections, and cognitive behavioural therapy can help children manage mental and emotional difficulties. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has also been proven to help the majority of children with PANDAS or PANS.
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In severe cases, PANS/PANDAS symptoms can be incapacitating, life-threatening, or occupy 71-100% of waking hours
PANS/PANDAS symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on a person's life. In some cases, symptoms can be incapacitating or even life-threatening. Severe cases are defined as those where symptoms occupy 71-100% of waking hours, significantly impairing the individual's ability to function.
For example, children with severe cases of PANS/PANDAS may experience significant weight loss due to anorexia or obsessional food restrictions related to fears of contamination, choking, or vomiting. They may also exhibit extreme impulsivity and behavioural regression, such as attempting dangerous acts due to distorted beliefs. Additionally, severe cases can involve suicidal ideation or self-injurious behaviour, posing a direct threat to the child's health and well-being.
The severity of PANS/PANDAS symptoms warrants aggressive treatment. While there is currently no cure for PANS or PANDAS, treatments such as IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin therapy), plasmapheresis, steroids, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and antibiotics can help minimise symptom severity. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is also recommended to help children manage mental and emotional difficulties associated with the disorder.
It is important to note that PANS/PANDAS symptoms can vary widely from person to person and can include a combination of psychological and neurological conditions. Symptoms typically occur in episodes, with periods of flare-ups and relapses triggered by reinfection or exposure to other viruses or environmental substances. While symptoms may subside for some patients, they can also progressively worsen over time, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.
The impact of PANS/PANDAS can be debilitating, and it is essential to seek medical attention and explore treatment options to manage the severity of symptoms and improve quality of life.
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There is no cure for PANS/PANDAS, but treatments can minimise symptom severity
While there is currently no cure for PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), there are treatments that can help to minimise the severity of symptoms. PANS/PANDAS is increasingly recognised as a form of autoimmune encephalitis (AE), specifically post-infectious basal ganglia encephalitis (BGE). The symptoms of PANS/PANDAS can cause serious debilitation and extreme neurological changes, including seizures and problems with balance, speech, or vision.
The symptoms of PANS/PANDAS can vary widely from child to child and can include a combination of psychological and neurological conditions. The symptoms are thought to start suddenly and occur in episodes, lasting for a few days or weeks and then returning. Some common psychological symptoms include anxiety, depression, bedwetting, changes in mood or personality, difficulty sleeping, disinterest in food, and fidgeting. There can also be neurological symptoms, such as tics, obsessive-compulsive disorder-like behaviour, and changes in motor skills.
The treatment for PANS/PANDAS is based on the severity of the symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms may include obvious impairments but are limited to certain situations or settings. Treatment for mild cases may include antibiotics, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). In more severe cases, where symptoms are incapacitating or life-threatening, more aggressive treatment is warranted. Plasmapheresis, or plasma exchange (PEX), is often the first-line treatment for severe illness, as it has been shown to produce significant symptom improvement in a short period. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is another treatment option that has been proven to help the majority of children with PANS/PANDAS. However, due to side effects and risks, IVIG treatment is usually only considered for severe cases.
It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to manage PANS/PANDAS, as treatment adjustments may be necessary if symptoms worsen. Early intervention can help some children to recover fully, while others may experience recurring episodes or chronic symptoms.
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Symptoms can last for months or years and progressively worsen over time
PANS and PANDAS are increasingly recognised as forms of autoimmune encephalitis (AE), specifically post-infectious basal ganglia encephalitis (BGE). The symptoms of PANS and PANDAS can be serious and cause extreme neurological changes, including seizures and problems with balance, speech, or vision. Psychiatric symptoms can include aggression, inappropriate or compulsive behaviours, or fear.
PANDAS is a specific type of PANS and is believed to be caused by a streptococcal (strep) bacterial infection. When the immune system fights the infection, it may mistakenly attack healthy areas of the body, including the brain, leading to the sudden development of OCD, tics, and other symptoms. PANDAS symptoms can include anxiety, depression, bedwetting, changes in mood or personality, difficulty sleeping, disinterest in food, and fidgeting. PANDAS is rare and usually affects children from the ages of 3 to puberty, although it is possible for adults to develop the condition.
PANS, on the other hand, can be triggered by various infections, such as Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, or Coxsackievirus, as well as immune system issues or environmental factors. The exact causes of PANS are not yet known, but one theory suggests that it is triggered by an immune response that leads to inflammation in the brain.
Symptoms of both PANS and PANDAS can last for months or years and progressively worsen over time if left untreated. These symptoms can include OCD, anxiety, and other mental and neurological issues. While there is no cure for PANS or PANDAS, treatments such as IVIG, plasmapheresis, steroids, antibiotics, and cognitive-behavioural therapy can help minimise the severity of symptoms. However, these treatments may have side effects, and health insurance may not cover them.
It is important to note that PANS and PANDAS episodes tend to get longer and more severe with each infectious recurrence. Therefore, preventing infections while healing is crucial. Once the infections are eradicated, most children develop a normal autoimmune response and no longer experience symptom flares.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, a giant panda living in captivity lives between 25 and 35 years, with the oldest recorded captive panda living to the age of 38.
On average, a giant panda living in the wild lives between 15 and 20 years.
Pandas in captivity benefit from good healthcare, a special diet, safety, and no competition for resources. All of these factors contribute to their longer lifespan.
The lifespan of a giant panda is similar to that of other bears, such as polar, grizzly, and black bears, which typically live for 20-30 years depending on their environment.
