Lyme Disease Symptoms
Early Signs of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease spread through the infectious bite of certain ticks that live on deer harbor. Their bite contains the bacterium that these ticks grown in their stomachs Most people will not get Lyme disease after being bitten, but it does happen. Parts of the US where chances are higher of getting the disease are New England, Mid Atlantic regions, and the North central areas. The site of the bite will develop a slightly raised, red area. It will begin to itch in a few hours. (Deer ticks are so tiny that the bite can be felt as a mosquito bite), and most people don't even know they have been bitten by a deer tick until Lyme disease symptoms develop.
What Causes Lymes Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia bargdorferi that certain ticks can carry. They pick up this bacterium after they have bitten an infected deer or mouse. You, in turn, can get the disease if you are bitten by that infected tick. Some of the things that may put you at risk are, having pets carry the tick home, walking in the tall grass, or participating in activities that increase your exposure to the ticks. If you suspect you are bitten by these parasites you should look out for Lyme disease symptoms.
Stages of Lymes Disease
There are 3 Stages in Lyme disease. Stage 1, or Primary early stage, is diagnosed by a blood test for antibodies to the bacteria, which is commonly called a ELISA for Lyme disease test. A Western blot test is done to confirm the results of ELISA. Lyme disease symptoms include chills, fever, headaches, lethargy, and muscle pain. A course of antibiotics will be given, usually doxycycline for older children and adults, and Amoxicillin for young children. Treatment will be for 10 to 21 days.
Stage 2, or Chronic Persistent is characterized by Lyme disease symptoms such as blurred vision, fainting, fatigue, general discomfort, headaches, heart palpitations, a feeling of being lightheaded, joint pain and inflammation,. A chest x-ray, an ECG, ELISA, and an exam of the spinal fluid are the expected tests given. Treatment will be antibiotics from 14 to 28 days, with a possible second course if needed. Doxycline, Amoxicillin, cefuroxine, and ceftriaxone are commonly used.
Stage 3, or Chronic Lyme disease involves the brain, the skin, the nervous system, the muscles, bones and the cartilage. Lyme disease symptoms may include arthritis, fatigue, headache, joint inflammation, memory loss, mood changes, and sleep disorders. The tests involved would be the same as for Stage two. Treatment would be up to 28 days of antibiotics with a second 2 to 4 week round.
Lyme Disease Treatment
You can protect yourself and prevent being a victim of Lyme disease. If you are hiking or walking in a wooded area, or even in the tall grass, make sure that you spray yourself and your clothing with an insect repellent. Wear a long sleeved shirt and long pants, and tuck your pants into high boots. Call your doctor if you have a rash, have been bitten by a tick, and are having symptoms and develop weakness, numbness, tingling, or heart problems, these are all Lyme disease symptoms.