What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme Disease is an infectious disease that can develop when a particular bacteria has invaded the human body.

Causes

There are many species of bacteria involved in Lyme Disease across the world, but the most common one is known as borrelia burgdorferi.

When a tick infected with the Lyme bacteria bites a human, that bacteria can be transmitted into the bloodstream.

Although more research is needed in terms of transmission, it is important to note that this bacteria has also been found in other insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, deer flies, spiders, and horse flies.

Though Lyme Disease has not been proven to be contagious, it can be sexually transmitted as well as passed from an infected mother to a baby through pregnancy or breast milk.

Symptoms

A red rash expanding away from the bite (with a clear center) may be the first symptom noticed following a tick bite, but it is not always the case. Many people with Lyme do not even recall ever being bitten at all.

In fact, signs and symptoms may not always be noticed in the beginning and new ones can develop even months or years after exposure.

These symptoms may include but are not limited to:

• Bullseye Rash
• Flulike Symptoms (Fever, Chills, Body Aches)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Neck Stiffness
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Joint Pain (Especially In Knees)
• Air Hunger
• Neurological symptoms such as meningitis, temporary paralysis, numbness, or weakness
• Eye Inflammation
• Heart Problems
• Liver Inflammation
• Arthritis
• Brain Fog

Lab tests (called Elisa & Western Blot) can help with diagnosis, though they are not always accurate. It can also take several weeks for results to show up on tests. Therefore, signs and symptoms should come first when it comes to diagnosis.

Lyme disease can lie dormant even for years before symptoms ever develop.

Treatment

Treatment for Lyme Disease typically involves a series of antibiotics to help kill off the Lyme bacteria. Doxycycline and amoxicillin are most commonly used.

Though many people can find success following early treatment, there is no way to test if the Lyme bacteria is still lying dormant. Therefore, one who has received successful treatment is more accurately considered to be in remission as opposed to cured.

Herxing / Herx Reaction

As the Lyme bacteria begin to die off from the antibiotics, they release toxins that often overwhelm the body. During this time of what is known as a “Herxheimer reaction”, symptoms tend to become exacerbated.

Chronic Lyme

Lyme Disease can become chronic. Delayed treatment or failed treatment can aid to this condition.

Autoimmune diseases or other health conditions may also develop as a result of the Lyme bacteria invading the body.

In some cases, Lyme Disease can become fatal. However, due to inaccurate testing and misdiagnosis, there is no way to estimate how many deaths are caused.

Prevention

You can develop Lyme disease more than once.

Spending time in woody, grassy areas can pose more of a risk. It is advised to stay covered, use insect repellent, and check clothing regularly.

Removing a tick immediately upon contact can also help lessen the odds of transmission.

Prevention is key.

Additional Information

Though Lyme Disease has likely been around for centuries, studies with a more thorough understanding of this condition did not occur until the 1970’s.

With less than a century of technological research having been done, it is unclear as to what extent this disease can reach.

If you believe you may have Lyme Disease or Chronic Lyme, please contact a health professional for proper treatment.

A Lyme Disease specialist is referred to as a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD).

Other specialists such as a rheumatologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, or infectious disease doctor may also need to be seen in addition to your primary care provider.

Never stop speaking up or seeking help for your health!