Lyme disease is quite complex and is often misunderstood. It affects millions of people around the world. So come learn about the causes of lyme and get tips on ways to treat and prevent it for your well-being.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and sometimes by its other species. This bacteria was named after the place where it was first seen in 1975, Lyme Village in Connecticut, USA. Now, it represents a major public health problem in many parts of the world. It is especially dominant in North America and Europe.
The Actual Culprits: Ticks and Bacteria
Borrelia bacteria are transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. This is what leads to Lyme disease. In North America, Lyme disease is mainly spread by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), also known as deer ticks. In Europe, castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) transmits this disease.
The ticks contract Borrelia bacteria that feed on infected animals like mice, deer or birds. When these ticks bite humans, infected ticks may transfer of these bacteria resulting in Lyme disease.
The Transmission Process
The process of transmission involves several stages:
- Tick attachment – an infected tick attaches itself to a human host.
- Feeding time– a tick usually stays on its host feeding for at least 36-48 hours.
- Bacterial migration – the Borrelia bacteria can migrate via blood flow, potentially affecting different organs and systems.
Every tick bite leads to Lyme disease, even if there are some pathogens within its body.
Detecting Lyme Disease: Signs and Symptoms
Lyme disease may present itself differently, and symptoms can appear days or weeks after a tick bite.
Early Localized Stage
The first clear sign of having Lyme disease is a bulls-eye rash referred to as erythema migranes which appears on about 70-80% infected persons within three to thirty days following tick bite. Other early symptoms include fever, fatigue, etc.
Early Disseminated Stage
The infection can spread to other parts of the body if not treated at the right time. Symptoms include:
- Multiple rashes
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness
- Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling.
- Facial palsy
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Nerve pain
- Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
Late Disseminated Stage
Some individuals might have symptoms even for months to years after the infection. It includes:
- Severe arthritis.
- Constant fatigue.
- Cognitive difficulties.
- Numbness in hands or feet.
Management of Symptoms
Management methods for Lyme disease symptoms include :
- Medication for pain: Over-the-counter medications can reduce pain in the joints and fever.
- Ample rest: Get enough rest, especially during the acute phase of the illness.
- Heart Issues: In rare cases where it affects the heart, hospitalization and monitoring might be necessary.
- Neurological symptoms: Medications are used to treat nerve pain or cognitive problems.
Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS)
Some people continue to have signs and symptoms, even getting antibiotic treatment for Lyme. This disorder is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) or chronic Lyme disease.
Symptoms of post lyme disease syndrome include but are not limited to:
- Weakness
- Suffering
- Cognitive impairment
The exact cause of PTLDS Lyme remains unknown. However, it’s believed to stem from residual tissue damage and immune system weakness caused by the disease.
Prevention: The Best Defense
It is usually easier to prevent Lyme disease than to treat it. Here are some of the key ways to prevent it:
- Avoid Tick-infested Areas: Watch out, especially during peak tick season if you frequently go into wooded or grassy areas.
- Use Insect Repellents: Put on insect repellants registered by EPA that contain ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
- Put on Protective Clothes: Wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers and closed shoes to keep ticks away from your skin.
- Tick Checks: After going outside, check thoroughly for any ticks over your body and clothes.
- Get rid of Ticks: If you locate a tick, take it off gently using a fine-tipped pair of tweezers.
- Monitor Pets: Check your pets regularly for ticks and use tick prevention products on them.
- Landscape Management: Keep your yard tidy by removing weeds and leaves. Keeping grass short will prevent tick infestation.
Risks and Geographical Distribution
Lyme disease can be contracted by anyone. Here are some major risk factors.
- Geographical Location: Lyme disease is more common in woody or grassy areas. It is mostly prevalent in the Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest regions of the United States.
- Outdoor activities: People such as hikers, campers, and gardeners who spend time outdoors in tick-infested areas can contract Lyme.
- Season: Ticks usually multiply during the summer months, typically from April to September.
- Age: Children are at an increased risk due to the possibility as they are usually outdoors. Meanwhile, older adults and their weakened immune systems can make them prone to lyme.
- Occupational exposure: People engaged in agriculture, forestry and landscaping jobs may be at higher risks of tick bites.
Lyme disease is a complicated ailment which can have severe consequences when not treated. Understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly are vital in managing it effectively. Even though treatment choices exist, preventing Lyme disease is the best way of tackling this condition.