Overview

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It often starts with flu-like symptoms and a distinctive circular rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe symptoms affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing Lyme disease.

The further stages of the disease indicate symptoms such as rashes on multiple parts of the body, neck stiffness and pain, irregular heartbeats, pain starting from the backside and increasing to the front, painful swelling, and other similar issues.

People who spend most of their time in the bushes are at a higher risk of getting affected by the tick bite, which causes the spread of bacteria. Hence, it is advised to take the required measures to keep one safe from the insect bite.

Causes of Lyme Disease

The borrelia disease occurs due to the bite of the black-legged tick, also known as deer tick, castor bean tick, or sheep tick. The ticks are usually found in the bushy and forest areas. Hence, people with a profession requiring to work in such areas are at a higher risk of getting affected by insect bites and diseases caused by them. The ticks bite a host and feed on one’s blood until it doubles its size. They spread the bacteria in the host’s bloodstream and make one affected easily. It is prudent to note that not all ticks carry the bacterium, and not every tick bite results in Lyme disease. Prompt removal of attached ticks and early antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of infection.

[caption id="attachment_23050" align="alignnone" width="612"] Borrelia bacteria in blood[/caption]

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

- Skin Rashes- One of the early and prime symptoms of the disease is skin rash—the place where the tick bites get swollen and red. The skin feels bumpy and starts itching. Different skin rashes are experienced in various stages of the disease if left untreated for a longer time.
- Fever- Another symptom of the disease is fever. The affected individual may feel sick for a few days, feeling low and dull. In case of such signs, one should not treat the cause casually. Seeking medical attention at the right time to tap the root cause is essential.
- Joint Stiffness- Enhanced Lyme disease symptoms involve joint stiffness with pain in the body. It happens when bacteria spread by the tick reach the joints and cause Lyme arthritis. In such cases, one may feel weakness and joint pain, making one uncomfortable doing daily chores.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes- One more symptom of the disease is swelling in the lymph nodes. It happens due to fever followed by body pain and other similar symptoms. In case of such symptoms, it is advised to seek medical help and avoid worsening the situation.

[caption id="attachment_23051" align="alignnone" width="500"] typical lyme rash[/caption]

Treatment Options to Cure Lyme Disease

- Antibiotics- The use of antibiotic pills helps to get rid of different symptoms of the disease. The pills help to lower the bacterial infection and allow one to heal as soon as possible. The pills also help to lower other symptoms of the disease as well. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include:
- Doxycycline: Often used for adults and children older than eight years.
- Amoxicillin or Cefuroxime: Preferred for younger children and pregnant women.
- The duration of treatment can vary but usually ranges from 10 to 21 days. Sometimes, a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary for more advanced or persistent infections.
- IV Antibiotic- A doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to be given through an IV directly into the vein. The process may be suggested in severe stages of the disease, such as during long-lasting arthritis, nervous system-affecting disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The method helps to deal with the issue in the earliest possible time and allows one to perform routine functions with ease.

Home Remedies to Remove a Tick

The use of gloves and tweezers helps to remove the tick easily in a hygienic way. Remove the tick slowly with the help of the tweezers without twisting or irritating it. After removing the tick, dispose of it in alcohol or flush it down the drain. After removing the tick, use soap and water to clean the hands and the affected area to avoid the spread of bacteria.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Lyme disease is a disease caused by the spread of bacteria caused by the biting of black-legged ticks. The bacteria spread in the bloodstream, causing different health issues such as fever, joint pain, arthritis, tiredness, and other similar issues. It can be treated with the help of antibiotics given to a patient in different methods.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/parasitic-infection-causes-symptoms-and-treatment/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651