Persistent Lyme Disease Symptoms and Identification Methods
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is typically transmitted by black-legged ticks and deer ticks.
If you come into direct contact with an infected tick, you may develop Lyme disease. Symptoms can appear from 3 to 30 days after a bite and include a red, expanding bull's-eye rash at the site of the tick bite. However, not everyone with Lyme disease will experience this rash. Other early symptoms may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches.
Most people with Lyme disease are treated successfully with a course of antibiotics and have a rapid and complete recovery. The blood test used to diagnose Lyme disease checks your level of antibodies to the disease-causing bacteria. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test is the most common for Lyme disease. The Western blot test can be used to confirm the ELISA results.
However, approximately 10 to 20 percent of people treated with recommended antibiotics for Lyme disease will have symptoms that persist after treatment. This condition is known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) or chronic Lyme disease. Living with persistent symptoms of Lyme disease after treatment may affect mobility and cognitive skills, cause extreme lifestyle changes, and emotional stress.
The symptoms of PTLDS resemble those that occur in earlier stages of Lyme disease and can include fatigue, joint or muscle aches, and cognitive dysfunction. Treatment for PTLDS is often focused on reducing pain and discomfort. Depending on condition and symptoms, other antibiotics or an intravenous (IV) treatment may be necessary.
When hiking or spending time in wooded or grassy areas where ticks live, take precautions to prevent coming into direct contact with infected ticks. Wear long sleeves and trousers, treat clothing and footwear with permethrin, an insect repellant that will remain active through several washings, and use insect repellant on your clothing and all exposed skin.
When walking in such areas, walk in the center of trails to avoid high grass. After hiking or spending time in these areas, change your clothes and check your skin and scalp thoroughly for ticks. Check your pets for ticks as well.
If a tick bites you, contact your doctor. You should be observed for 30 days for signs of Lyme disease. If you are diagnosed with Lyme disease, follow your doctor's advice for treatment.
While you may not be able to prevent PTLDS, you can take precautions to prevent coming into direct contact with infected ticks. By following these simple steps, you can reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease and its potential complications.
