A lot of health problems and diseases can develop in people who have animal or insect bites. Lyme diseases refers to a condition caused by bacterium known as Borrelia burgdofrderi. It is transmitted to humans who are bitten by black-legged ticks that are infected. Living with Lyme disease can be done, especially with help from trained medical professionals.
Some common symptoms and signs of this infection are headache, fever and fatigue. There is also the skin rash known as erythema migrants or EM, which is commonly seen in infected patients. If this disease is not treated, it can lead to an infection that spreads across the joints, heart and nervous system in the body.
Lyme disease must be properly diagnosed before any kind of treatment is applied. Usually this process involves assessing patient symptoms, which might involve looking over physical findings. Patients and doctors should always consider the possibility of exposure. After all, there are some people who might have a higher likelihood of contracting this because of their proximity to infected ticks. Lab testing is fundamental for getting accurate, detailed results on the status of a patient.
In general, most cases are treatable within a few weeks. Often antibiotics are used for this purpose. Each case is different in many aspects, including severity. Patients should feel comfortable voicing concerns, asking questions and otherwise consulting with their doctors about care and treatment solutions. Results of this treatment will range based on many possible factors.
Antibiotics are most useful during early stages. People who get help during this time are more likely to completely recover. People with neurological or cardiac forms of this might need intravenous treatment with drugs like ceftriaxone and penicillin. Although rare, patients diagnosed late, might have persistent or recurring symptoms after their treatment. This is called Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome or PTLDS. Patients can get aid with managing this condition from their doctor.
There was, at one time, a vaccine for preventing Lyme disease. However, the manufacturer discontinued the vaccine in the early 2000s. Today, the most effective way to prevent contraction of this disease is avoiding exposure to infected ticks. Warm months, between April and September, are when these ticks are more active. It is still fundamental that people employ preventative actions all throughout the year. Some tips for prevention: walking in the center of trails, avoiding woody or bushy places, using repellents upon going outside, and always checking for ticks upon returning indoors. It is essential to locate and remove ticks quickly.
PTLDS and severe symptoms are less likely in those who had an early diagnosis. People with tick bites, who frequent or live in areas known for infected ticks, are encouraged to keep close eye on signs and symptoms. The first 30 days following the bite are considered the early localized stage. This is when most people will notice a red EM rash forming. This might be present alongside aches in muscles and joints, chills, fatigue, fever and swollen lymph nodes.
All cases are different. Some people might have a tick bite that goes away after a few days, which might mean that this type of infection is not present. Still, ticks can spread across organisms and create different kinds of rashes. People should do research and utilize available resources when managing this condition.
Some common symptoms and signs of this infection are headache, fever and fatigue. There is also the skin rash known as erythema migrants or EM, which is commonly seen in infected patients. If this disease is not treated, it can lead to an infection that spreads across the joints, heart and nervous system in the body.
Lyme disease must be properly diagnosed before any kind of treatment is applied. Usually this process involves assessing patient symptoms, which might involve looking over physical findings. Patients and doctors should always consider the possibility of exposure. After all, there are some people who might have a higher likelihood of contracting this because of their proximity to infected ticks. Lab testing is fundamental for getting accurate, detailed results on the status of a patient.
In general, most cases are treatable within a few weeks. Often antibiotics are used for this purpose. Each case is different in many aspects, including severity. Patients should feel comfortable voicing concerns, asking questions and otherwise consulting with their doctors about care and treatment solutions. Results of this treatment will range based on many possible factors.
Antibiotics are most useful during early stages. People who get help during this time are more likely to completely recover. People with neurological or cardiac forms of this might need intravenous treatment with drugs like ceftriaxone and penicillin. Although rare, patients diagnosed late, might have persistent or recurring symptoms after their treatment. This is called Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome or PTLDS. Patients can get aid with managing this condition from their doctor.
There was, at one time, a vaccine for preventing Lyme disease. However, the manufacturer discontinued the vaccine in the early 2000s. Today, the most effective way to prevent contraction of this disease is avoiding exposure to infected ticks. Warm months, between April and September, are when these ticks are more active. It is still fundamental that people employ preventative actions all throughout the year. Some tips for prevention: walking in the center of trails, avoiding woody or bushy places, using repellents upon going outside, and always checking for ticks upon returning indoors. It is essential to locate and remove ticks quickly.
PTLDS and severe symptoms are less likely in those who had an early diagnosis. People with tick bites, who frequent or live in areas known for infected ticks, are encouraged to keep close eye on signs and symptoms. The first 30 days following the bite are considered the early localized stage. This is when most people will notice a red EM rash forming. This might be present alongside aches in muscles and joints, chills, fatigue, fever and swollen lymph nodes.
All cases are different. Some people might have a tick bite that goes away after a few days, which might mean that this type of infection is not present. Still, ticks can spread across organisms and create different kinds of rashes. People should do research and utilize available resources when managing this condition.
About the Author:
Living with Lyme disease can eventually take its toll on you. Read the informative posts online on how to cope with this condition at http://www.itsnotjustlyme.com.