Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected blacklegged ticks. Lyme disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage of infection.
In its early stages, the disease may cause fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic bull’s eye rash. And if left untreated, the bacteria will spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system and cause even more severe symptoms.
Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. And early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preventing more serious complications.
Read more as we’re going to tackle this topic on what to know about chronic Lyme disease in today’s post.
History
Lyme disease was believed to have existed for thousands of years until it was re-discovered, thanks to modern medicine. In fact, a recent autopsy was done on a 5,300-year-old mummy and it was found that the bacteria causing this disease was existing in the body, which infected that person when he or she was still alive.
Then 130 years ago, a German physician named Alfred Buchwald first described Lyme disease in his medical literature as erythema migrans or chronic skin rash, which was eventually classified as chronic Lyme disease that is known today. He observed that patients with the condition often had a long-term history of infection with these bacteria and that their symptoms were often refractory to standard treatment. Buchwald’s case series was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation in 1990.
Recent Developments
Since then, the chronic version of this disease has been the subject of much debate. Some doctors believe that it exists, while others contend that it is a misdiagnosis for other conditions. There is currently no consensus among physicians on the best way to diagnose and treat chronic Lyme disease.
The majority of scientific evidence does not support the existence of Lyme disease. A systematic review of the medical literature found that only a small minority of patients with Lyme disease go on to develop chronic symptoms. The review, which was published in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases, found that less than 10% of patients with Lyme disease experience persistent symptoms after standard treatment.
There is also little evidence to support the use of long-term antibiotics for the treatment of Lyme disease. A large, well-designed study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that patients who were treated with antibiotics for more than six weeks did not experience any more improvement than those who received placebo. In fact, the study found that patients who were treated with antibiotics for more than six weeks were more likely to experience adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal problems and vaginal yeast infections.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Lyme disease are fatigue, muscle and joint pain, headaches, and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can last for months or even years if the infection is not treated properly. Lyme disease can also cause neurological problems, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and depression. If you think you may have chronic Lyme disease, it is important to see a doctor right away so that you can get the proper treatment.
Medications And Treatments
There are a number of different medicines and treatments for Lyme disease. The most common and effective treatment is antibiotics, which can be taken either orally or intravenously. There are also a number of natural remedies that can be used to treat the symptoms of Lyme disease, such as herbal supplements, essential oils, and homeopathic remedies.
Some of the most common medicines and treatments used to treat Lyme disease include antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
The most common antibiotics used to treat early Lyme disease are doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime. For late-stage Lyme disease, treatment may include intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or penicillin.
On the other hand, there are many herbal medicines that can be used to treat Lyme disease. Some of the most common include echinacea, goldenseal, and garlic. These herbs can be taken in pill form or as a tea. There are also many Lyme disease homeopathic remedies available. The most common homeopathic remedy is Ledum palustre. This remedy is typically taken in pill form. There are also many essential oils that can be used to treat Lyme disease. Some of the most popular include lavender oil, lemon balm oil, and tea tree oil. These oils can be diffused or applied topically.
In some cases, patients may also need to undergo physical therapy or occupational therapy to help them cope with the symptoms of the disease.
Overall, it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified Lyme disease specialist like Pacific Frontier Medical in order to ensure that you are receiving the best possible care.