Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis or simply Lyme, is a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites. It is estimated that 300,000 US residents develop Lyme disease each year. The most common symptoms of the disease are fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans (EM), which typically appears within 3 weeks of exposure to the bacteria. In this article, we will explore some of the most common symptoms of Lyme disease.
Lyme Disease: What Is It?
Lyme disease is a vector-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary significantly from person to person, but typically include a rash, flu-like symptoms, and arthritis. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious complications such as heart infection or even meningitis.
Lyme disease is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected tick. Prevention includes avoiding areas where ticks are common and using tick repellent when outdoors. If you think you may have contracted Lyme disease, contact your doctor for a diagnosis. Our Lyme and other tick-borne illness specialists understand the full range of symptoms experienced by patients diagnosed with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne illnesses. We will work with you to help you understand your condition and begin treatment.
Attacks by the Babesia organism can occur in areas where there is a lot of deer and other wildlife, such as southern Wisconsin. Infection usually occurs when someone bites an infected tick, but it can also be transmitted through blood transfusion. Symptoms can include fever, headaches, chills, fatigue, and muscular weakness. If you think you may have babesiosis or another tropical disease, contact our staff for diagnosis and treatment options.
Dosage: Adult dose: Adults and Children 2 yrs of age and older: 2 tablets 3-4 times daily for 30 days. Children 2 yrs of age and older should take ½ adult dose 3-4 times daily for 30 days. Pregnancy or nursing only if prescribed by your physician.
Reviews: The CDC states that the most likely tick-infected tick for Lyme disease is the nymphal I. scapularis, but others can also potentially infect with Lyme. Sometimes it’s hard to tell which species of Ixodes ticks have infected you.
If Lyme disease has been suspected, the CDC advises that a doctor or medical professional be consulted to be sure of your diagnosis.
Symptoms Their symptoms are different for everyone, and may include:
- severe headache
- muscle pains
- fever
Lyme Disease Treatment Options
The best way to stop Lyme disease from spreading is to get treated early before the infection becomes chronic. Early treatment with antibiotics can shorten the duration of infection and reduce your risk of post-treatment complications such as heart infection or even emotional distress. There are no drugs against the Lyme Borrelia bacteria itself, so antibiotics are not effective in treating Lyme disease.
However, some people have a hard time tolerating the antibiotics and develop resistance to them. The traditional antibiotic doxycycline is known for its effectiveness in treating Lyme disease, however many patients are resistant to this drug due to the side effects associated with it (chills, muscle aches, nausea). If you take this drug and experience these side effects, it may be best to seek a second opinion from our medical staff regarding your treatment options from Posedonia medical Clinic in Cyprus.
Symptoms of Lyme disease
-The most common symptoms of Lyme disease are rash, fever, and headache. Other symptoms can include muscle aches and pain, joint pain, and problems with memory or concentration.
-Most people with Lyme disease don’t have any symptoms. Treatment is designed to be preventative, rather than curing the disease. Some of the treatment options include:
-Antibiotics: An antibiotic may be ordered by your doctor if you develop symptoms after a tick bite.
-Doxycycline or amoxicillin can be taken for 2 weeks, and another antibiotic may be prescribed for the following 2 weeks.
-Tetracycline or doxycycline are good choices because they aren’t as likely to cause side effects.
-Some doctors also recommend starting mupirocin (Bactroban) as soon as possible after a tick bite. The medicine reduces skin inflammation associated with a tick bite, so it isn’t necessary to treat an infection.
-Antimalarials-Your doctor may recommend taking antimalarials to kill the bloodsucking arachnids that cause Lyme disease. However, malaria must be treated with a strong antimalarial medicine such as quinine or doxycycline.
-Tetracycline or doxycycline are good choices because they aren’t as likely to cause side effects.
-Some doctors also recommend starting mupirocin (Bactroban) as soon as possible after a tick bite. The medicine reduces skin inflammation associated with a tick bite, so it isn’t necessary to treat an infection.
Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
If a person has been bitten by a tick, it is important to make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. If the infection is caught early enough, most people will not develop symptoms. It is also important to know that you can be infected with Lyme disease even if you do not have any symptoms (called “asymptomatic infection”). Most healthcare professionals suspect that asymptomatic Lyme disease occurs every 2-3 years of life. The treatment for early stage Lyme disease consists of standard antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics used to treat Lyme disease are amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, and doxycycline.
Treatment for Lyme disease
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible:
- Fatigue and severe muscle and joint pain
- Strained eyesight
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Memory problems
- Fainting or dizziness
If you experience any of these symptoms after being in close proximity to a known area where Lyme disease is prevalent, it is also recommended that you consult with a doctor. Treatment for Lyme disease typically includes antibiotics if the infection is confirmed, and may also include other treatments depending on the individual’s case. Leaving quarantined areas to avoid tick bites is not recommended.
The risk of contracting Lyme disease increases the longer you are out in an area that is known to have Lyme disease-carrying ticks present. If you do encounter a tick, use an insect repellent or wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt when walking in areas covered by trees and brush with leaves. Avoiding being in close proximity to deer ticks is highly recommended.
Conclusion
Lyme disease is a serious condition that needs to be treated as soon as possible. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, it’s important to know the common symptoms so that you can seek help sooner. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease can make all the difference in your ability to get treatment and improve your overall health.
