Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacteria-born disease, typically transmitted to humans via tick bites. The bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi in the U.S., typically lives in small animals, like mice or squirrels. Ticks in their nymph stage who feed on an animal infected with this bacteria, store the bacteria in their stomach. When these infected ticks feed again, the bacteria is then transmitted to the new host. Lyme disease is usually easy to treat with a round of prescribed antibiotics. If left untreated, however, it can cause serious disorders and damage to human skin, joints, heart and nervous system.

Symptoms

  • in 70-80% of infected people, a circular rash called erythema migrans (EM) develops at the site of the tick bite – it is typically round in shape and may resemble a “bulls-eye” pattern;
  • flu-like syptoms, including fatigue, fever, chills, headache, muscle or joint pain and lyph node swelling;
  • in its mid-stages, Lyme disease can cause various palsies (including Bell’s palsy, in which muscle tone is lost on one or both sides of the face) and meningitis (causing severe headaches and neck stiffness);
  • heart palpitations, shooting pains that disturb sleep, dizziness and/or pain that travels from joint-to-joint;
  • if left untreated after several months, over half of infected people develop arthritis, a painful swelling of the joints;
  • heart problems, including inflammation of the heart muscle, abnormal heart rhythm, even heart failure;
  • months to years after infection, a small percentage of infected people develop chronic neurological complaints, such as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulties with concentration and short term memory and shooting pains throughout the body.

Treatment

Antibiotics can cure most cases of Lyme disease, especially in its early stages. The type of antibiotic used will depend on the stage of the disease and the area(s) of the body affected. Pregnant women who receive appropriate antibiotic treatment can prevent any negative side effects to the fetus (Centers for Disease Control, 12/2006).

Not everyone who receives appropriate testing and antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease will respond immediately. In some cases, the symptoms can last for months or years after treatment. At Immune Recovery and Wellness, we offer many options for those suffering the effects of Lyme disease. Please contact us to speak with one of our professional staff members or to schedule a consultation.