Chronic Lyme Disease
Chronic Lyme disease is a condition characterized by symptoms and chronicity. It is the result of repeated infections of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi by ticks. The bacteria and antibodies produced by the human immune system help in the detection of the bacterium. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) require that two-tiered testing be done for determining the presence of Lyme disease.
What happens with chronic Lyme disease?
If you suspect you have contracted Lyme disease, you should see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Many doctors will use the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or a Western blot test to diagnose the condition. While these tests may take weeks to be completely accurate, they can give you a better idea of the disease’s symptoms.
Although Lyme disease is uncommon and is not usually life-threatening, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. A doctor will prescribe antibiotics if the test comes back positive. During the first few weeks after a positive diagnosis, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including a bull’s-eye rash.
How do you know if you have chronic Lyme disease?
If you spend a lot of time outside, or are constantly exposed to tick bites, then you’re at high risk for developing Lyme disease. This infection is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and can affect your heart, joints, nervous system, memory, and more. As such, if you suspect that you’ve been bitten by a tick, you should contact your doctor right away.
Some of the symptoms of Lyme disease can be severe, such as heart block or an irregular heartbeat. Some people may also experience neurological inflammation, including meningitis. In some cases, the disease may be fatal. The good news is that antibiotics are highly effective for treating Lyme disease.
What does chronic Lyme disease feel like?
Chronic Lyme disease symptoms can include fatigue, aches and pains, and memory difficulties. For many people, the symptoms last for months or even years. About 10% to 20% of patients have ongoing symptoms despite taking antibiotics. Chronic Lyme disease can also lead to organ damage and stress.
Among the psychological effects of Lyme disease, patients often report experiencing panic attacks. Some of these attacks may last hours. Moreover, some patients report having cognitive difficulties, including difficulty concentrating and keeping track of words on a page. Rarely, patients may experience auditory hallucinations.
Most patients recover quickly after treatment, although symptoms may continue for months. In most cases, treatment will eliminate the symptoms, but if they persist, the symptoms can be debilitating. Lyme disease can also affect the facial muscles. If you experience one of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
Can you recover from chronic Lyme disease?
Although there is no known cure for chronic Lyme disease, there are some treatment options. Treatment plans aim to reduce the amount of bacteria in the body so that the body can function normally again. However, untreated patients may continue to experience symptoms for months or even years. For these patients, it may be difficult to recover from Lyme disease.
Antibiotics are the first course of treatment. If you have symptoms of chronic Lyme disease, your healthcare provider may suggest antibiotic therapy. This is recommended as early treatment will give you the best chances of recovery. Antibiotic treatments are highly effective but may not completely eliminate the infection. Depending on the type of treatment you receive, it may take up to six months before your symptoms resolve.
What causes chronic Lyme to flare up?
Chronic Lyme disease can cause the body to experience an extreme flare-up of symptoms. As the disease advances, the body’s adrenal system can become weak and inefficient. In order to avoid this, it is important to maintain healthy adrenal function. Adrenal fatigue is a common complaint among chronic Lyme disease patients. It can lead to an exaggerated response to many chemicals and foods and can lead to chronic Lyme disease flare-ups.
If you’re suffering from Lyme disease, the most effective way to prevent flare-ups is to avoid ticks and take the necessary precautions to avoid them. Regularly inspect yourself for ticks after going outside or spending a lot of time in wooded areas. It’s important to note that chronic Lyme disease symptoms can come back months or even years after treatment.
