Lyme disease, Lyme disease, or perhaps tick-borne spirochete? All these names refer to the same bacterial infection, the culprit of which is a bacterium of the genus Borrelia. This disease, although often underestimated, can lead to serious health complications if not diagnosed and treated early.
Lyme disease – how does the infection occur?
The main vector that transmits Borrelia bacteria is ticks. During a bite, the bacteria penetrate from the tick’s saliva into the human body. The longer the tick remains in the skin, the greater the risk of infection. It is worth noting that not all ticks carry the Borrelia bacteria, and the risk of contracting the disease depends on a number of factors, such as the species of tick, geographic region and season.
Symptoms of Lyme disease
The symptoms of Lyme disease vary widely and can mimic many other conditions, making diagnosis much more difficult. Early symptoms often include:
- Migratory erythema: a characteristic red spot around the site of a tick bite that enlarges and is often ring-shaped.
- Flu-like symptoms: fever, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes.
- Neurological disorders: headaches, neck stiffness, memory and concentration disorders, paresthesias (tingling, numbness).
- Cardiac disorders: arrhythmias, myocarditis.
- Arthritis: swelling and pain in the joints, most commonly the knees and elbows.
Late symptoms of Lyme disease can include severe damage to the nervous system, heart, joints and skin.
Lyme disease diagnosis
Lyme disease diagnosis is often a challenge for doctors. There is no single, completely reliable test to confirm infection. Diagnosis is based on:
- History: a thorough collection of information about symptoms, past illnesses and contact with ticks.
- Physical examination: evaluation of characteristic symptoms, such as erythema migrans.
- Laboratory tests: determination of antibodies to Borrelia bacteria in the blood. Note that the test result may be falsely negative in the early stages of the disease or in people with weakened immunity.
- Imaging tests: e.g. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in case of suspected damage to the nervous system.
Treatment of Lyme disease
The primary drug used to treat Lyme disease is antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic and the length of treatment depend on the stage of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment greatly increases the chances of a full recovery.
Complications of Lyme disease
Untreated or poorly treated Lyme disease can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Encephalopathy: encephalitis.
- Neuropathies: damage to peripheral nerves.
- Chronic arthritis: leading to permanent joint damage.
- Cardiac arrhythmias: life-threatening.
Lyme disease prevention
The most effective way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites. This can be achieved by:
- Dressing appropriately: long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed shoes.
- Use of repellents: tick repellents.
- Regularly viewing the body after being in the woods or meadows.
- Removal of ticks: in case of a tick bite, remove it as soon as possible, using appropriate tweezers.
Lyme disease – a multidimensional disease
Lyme disease is a very complex disease that is still controversial in the medical community. The long-term symptoms after Lyme disease, so-called chronic Lyme disease, are often debated and not fully explained.
Summary
Lyme disease is a serious disease that requires early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. To reduce the risk of infection, it’s a good idea to follow the rules of prevention and get regular check-ups. If you notice a tick on your body after being in the woods or meadows, contact your doctor immediately.
Note:
This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for consulting a doctor. If you experience symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease infection, see your doctor immediately.
