Lyme disease flare-up symptoms can be difficult time for anyone to endure. They can include widespread pain, fatigue, and an overall feeling of being sick. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with the symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. Talking with a doctor will help you determine the best course of treatment.
How long do Lyme disease flare-ups last?
For many people suffering from Lyme disease, the symptoms of a flare-up are similar to those of the initial infection, but some people experience different symptoms altogether. For some patients, these flare-ups are triggered by external factors, and they can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months. It’s best to work with a doctor who is well versed in the disorder, though, because they can offer advice on how to minimize flare-up symptoms.
While most people get better after treatment for Lyme disease, some people may not respond to antibiotics for months or years. While some experts believe that this is because of persistent bacteria in the body, the evidence for this claim is not clear. Other experts believe that the immune system continues to respond to the infection and continues to produce symptoms. In this case, the patient is more likely to develop chronic Lyme disease syndrome. This condition has long-term symptoms and may resemble fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
How do you treat a Lyme flare-up?
The symptoms of Lyme disease come and go and can be very painful and debilitating. These include widespread pain, exhaustion, and a general feeling of illness. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help manage your symptoms and minimize flare-ups. The first step in managing your symptoms is to get plenty of rest. Increasing your amount of sleep is important because it has a powerful effect on your immune system. When your immune system is rested, it is better able to fight infections and manage inflammation.
Another thing you can do to treat your symptoms is to avoid staying sedentary. Staying sedentary can aggravate the symptoms of Lyme disease. Instead, do something active, such as gentle walking or yoga, to encourage your body to produce more lymph fluid. Another important thing to do is to limit your intake of histamine, a natural hormone in your body that plays a role in inflammation and headaches. If you can reduce your histamine intake, you can lessen the frequency of your headaches. You can also try a low-histamine diet to help you cope with your headaches.
Do symptoms of Lyme disease come and go?
Lyme disease symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease. The first sign of infection is a rash. Usually, this rash appears in the area of the tick bite and lasts for days or weeks. It is usually red and swollen, and it can be flat or slightly raised. It can also have a central clear area. The rash can affect one or both of the body parts and is called erythema migrans. Often, the rash is accompanied by heart problems such as a skipped heartbeat and lightheadedness.
In many cases, stress can trigger a Lyme disease flare-up. To prevent this, you should implement daily stress-reduction techniques. Try meditation, yoga, massage, gardening, or other relaxing activities. Also, getting enough sleep is crucial. Your body needs sleep to repair itself and restore. Without enough sleep, your body produces more cytokines – chemicals related to inflammation.
What does Lyme fatigue feel like?
Lyme fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of Lyme disease. It’s different than regular tiredness and can completely take over a person’s body. It’s so intense that a person may need several naps throughout the day, or sleep more than they usually do.
Some people experience these symptoms for more than six months. This is called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). However, it’s important to note that the symptoms will generally go away with time unless you’re dealing with chronic Lyme disease. In this case, you should talk to your doctor. Most people get better on their own after a course of antibiotics.
Some people with Lyme disease also experience flu-like symptoms within a week of getting the disease. These symptoms can include low-grade fever, which makes them difficult to distinguish from the common flu or viral infections. Other people have flu-like symptoms that come and go, which may be a sign of Lyme disease. Some people even experience joint pain or dizziness.
What triggers Lyme disease flare-ups?
A major contributor to Lyme disease flare-ups is stress. Lack of sleep, jet lag, and acute illness can all impair the immune system and cause a flare-up. However, it’s not only physical stress that can cause Lyme disease to flare up – mental and emotional stress also plays a role. Pregnancy and hormonal shifts are also known to trigger flare-ups.
In addition to stress, another common trigger is a co-infection with Lyme disease. This can cause a flare-up by reactivating the bacteria and causing inflammation. However, in some cases, flare-ups are not caused by an active infection, but rather by clusters of bacteria that are resistant to medication.
