Lyme disease is a form of tick borne disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.This disease can have serious implications. So its symptoms must be recognized and treated right away.
What is Lyme Disease?
Primarily, Lyme disease spreads through the bite of infected black-legged ticks mainly known as deer ticks. These minute arachnids are often found in grassy or wooded areas. Although the disease was initially identified in the 1970s in Connecticut, at present it has spread across the United States and several other parts of the world.
Stages of Lyme Disease and Their Symptoms
Each stage comes with its own symptoms. Manifestations vary depending on the stage. Consequently, the phases are not always that distinct. Sometimes symptoms may overlap.
Early Localized Stage (3-30 days post-tick bite)
Errythema migrans (EM), a form of a rash, is the initial sign that characterizes Lyme disease symptom.
- Develops within 3-30 days after a tick bite
- Sometimes, it looks like a bull’s eye with a clear center and red rings.
- Enlarges until it reaches up to twelve inches in diameter.
- It might feel warm when touched but hardly hurts or itches.
However, people should know that not all individuals will end up having this condition. Some early signs include:
- Fever and chills
- Tiredness
- Muscle pain and joint aches.
- Headache
- Lymph nodes swelling-up
These signs are mostly taken as influenza, hence causing late diagnosis and treatment delay.
Early Disseminated Stage (days to weeks post-infection)
The infection may develop and spread to other body parts. The symptoms at this stage might include;
- Several EM rashes in different parts of the body.
- Severe headache and a stiff neck due to meningitis
- Facial palsy- loss of tone in muscles on one or both sides of the face
- Arthritis with intense pains and swellings around major joints.
- Occasional pain in tendons, bones, muscles, and joints
- Periodic episodes of lightheadedness/Shortness of breath
- Brain encephalitis and spinal cord inflammation.
- Stabbing sensations, numbness, or prickling felt in feet/hands
Late Disseminated Stage (months to years post-infection)
If Lyme infection is not treated, it can lead to more severe problems such as;
- Serious arthritis affects many joints.
- Constant fatigue.
- Problems like cognitive issues, which can be memory loss or even lack of concentration
- Numbness in arms, legs, or hands and feet.
- It can lead to depression, changes in mood, and anxiety due to the sickly feeling caused by this disease.
Diagnosis Of Lyme Disease
The symptoms associated with Lyme disease resemble those of other diseases, making its diagnosis difficult. Physicians often use several methods:
- Clinical assessment: Evaluates signs and potential exposure cases for ticks.
- Blood tests: Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and Western blot test detects antibodies against the burgdorferi bacterium.
- Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) Test: This test is used to find the bacterial DNA in joint fluid through cerebrospinal fluid samples.
It is essential also to note that blood tests may be negative during the early stages since it takes time before detectable antibodies are produced by the body.
Lyme Disease Treatment Methods
Treatment for Lyme disease is based on the stage of the infection and how severe the symptoms are. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment are important in achieving good outcomes.
Antibiotics
The primary mode of treating Lyme disease is antibiotics. The kind, dose, and length of antibiotic treatment depend on how far the illness has progressed and on a patient’s general health.
Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline are given for 10-21 days in people with early Lyme Disease. Popular examples include:
- Doxycycline: This is the preferred treatment for adults and children over 8 years old
- Amoxicillin or Cefuroxime: These can be used for pregnant women and young children
Symptoms Management
Treatment usually involves symptom management along with antibiotics:
- Joint pain and fever can be treated with an over-the-counter drug like ibuprofen.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs are used for arthritis Symptoms
- Physical therapy can treat persistent joint or muscle pain relief.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy can help with mood swings or cognitive impairments.
Prevention against Lyme disease.
While treatment options exist, prevention remains the best approach to Lyme disease. Key preventive measures include:
- Use of insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in wooded/grassy areas.
- Checking for ticks after outdoor activities
- Removing ticks early within 24 hours (to reduce transmission risk)
- Check for Pet’s tick treatment so as not to bring these parasites into homes.
Conclusion
Untreated Lyme disease can lead to significant health issues. Early identification is important when it comes to effective treatments. Although diagnosing and treating the condition might pose challenges, a lot of research is being done all over the world.
If you think you may have had contact with ticks or if you have signs similar to those of Lyme Disease then do not hesitate. Go for a medical check-up by a qualified physician.