Disease
Lyme Disease
Overview of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. It commonly starts with flu-like symptoms and a bullseye-shaped rash, but can progress to more severe complications if left untreated. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to full recovery in most cases.
Types of Lyme Disease
- Early Localized Lyme Disease: Appears within days to weeks after a tick bite; symptoms are mild and usually include rash and fever.
- Early Disseminated Lyme Disease: Bacteria begin to spread throughout the body, potentially affecting the heart and nervous system.
- Late Disseminated Lyme Disease: Can occur months or even years later, leading to chronic symptoms affecting joints, brain, and nerves.
- Chronic Lyme Disease (Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome): Symptoms such as fatigue and pain persist even after treatment.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
- Bullseye rash (erythema migrans) at the bite site
- Fever, chills, headache and fatigue
- Muscle and joint aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Numbness, tingling, or memory issues in later stages
- Facial palsy or drooping
- Irregular heartbeat in disseminated stages
Causes of Lyme Disease
- Caused by Borrelia bacteria, primarily B. burgdorferi
- Transmitted by the bite of infected black-legged (Ixodes) ticks
- Ticks become infected by feeding on infected animals like deer and rodents
Complications in Lyme Disease
- Neurological issues (meningitis, facial paralysis)
- Arthritis, especially in large joints like knees
- Heart rhythm irregularities
- Cognitive issues such as memory loss
- Chronic fatigue and musculoskeletal pain
Risk Factors of Lyme Disease
- Spending time in grassy or wooded areas
- Having exposed skin outdoors
- Not removing ticks promptly
- Living in or traveling to tick-endemic areas (northeastern and upper Midwest USA)
- Outdoor pets can also carry ticks indoors
Preventions of Lyme Disease
- Use insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin
- Wear long sleeves and pants in tick-prone areas
- Conduct full-body tick checks after outdoor activities
- Shower soon after being outdoors
- Keep lawns well-trimmed to reduce tick habitats
- Vaccines for dogs are available; a human vaccine is in development
Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
- Clinical assessment of rash and symptoms
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA test)
- Western blot test for confirmation
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for severe cases
- Blood tests may not detect early Lyme, clinical judgment is key
Treatments of Lyme Disease
- Doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime are commonly used antibiotics
- Course usually lasts 10–21 days
- Intravenous antibiotics for severe or neurological symptoms
- Pain and inflammation may be managed with NSAIDs
- Chronic symptoms may need extended rehabilitation
Prognosis of Lyme Disease
- Early treatment leads to excellent recovery
- Some patients may experience post-treatment symptoms for months
- Long-term effects are rare with timely care
- Not typically life-threatening but can be debilitating without intervention
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Prompt evaluation and tick bite history review
- Accurate diagnostic testing and follow-up care
- Personalised antibiotic regimen for every stage of Lyme disease
- Access to infectious disease specialists and rehab support
- Remote consultation and aftercare for chronic cases
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation
- Is this rash definitely from Lyme disease?
- How long do I need to take antibiotics?
- What should I do if symptoms return after treatment?
- Is it safe to go hiking again after recovery?
- Can Lyme disease become chronic?
- How do I know if the tick that bit me was infected?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- Clear explanation of your symptoms and their significance
- Proper testing and not dismissing your concerns
- Guidance on tick removal and observation
- A treatment plan tailored to your medical history
- Counseling on follow-up symptoms and chronic signs
- Empathetic and continuous support throughout the course
- Help in identifying if it’s Lyme or another similar disease