Lyme disease is a disease that has been extensively studied for the last forty years. It has been established that the causative organisms are bacteria known as spirochetes. Different species have been discovered over time. The symptoms associated with the illness are variable and may include, skin lesions, multiple joint pains, symptoms of heart disease and central nervous system abnormalities. Knowing how to treat Lyme disease is important for Tucson, AZ residents.
The bacteria are transmitted by ticks found on deer in various geographical locations. A bite of the human flesh leads to the release of the bacteria into the blood stream of the affected individual. There is an early phase in which the condition is localised to the affected site and a later phase in which it spreads to other parts of the body as it becomes a systemic illness.
The initial presentation is in the form of flu like illness while the second is more severe and affects major body systems. Advanced forms may develop into meningitis, cerebral palsies and arthritis. Anxiety and depression have been reported in a number of affected persons. Diagnosis is made based on the clinical history as well as the presence of specific antibodies in the blood stream.
The antibodies can be detected in blood by use of a special technique known as ELISA. The main disadvantage of using this method us the fact that there may be false positive results in some cases. This may lead to treatment where there is no indication. Another major challenge experienced during diagnosis is the lack of specificity of symptoms. Consequently, misdiagnoses are fairly common.
Treatment is mainly through the use of antibiotics. There are numerous antibiotics that are very effective and the choice depends on disease severity and the area of the body that has been affected. Oral drugs have been found to be highly effective for early phase illness while intravenous drugs are useful in the advanced forms of the disease. The most important thing to remember here is that prompt treatment has better outcomes.
The main oral antibiotics that are used are doxycycline, cefuroxime and amoxicillin. In most cases the early symptoms will resolve within a few weeks without any long term consequences. Doxycycline is harmful to growing bone and should therefore be avoided in pregnant women and in children that are less than eight years. The drugs that have been approved for intravenous use are penicillin G and ceftriaxone. No home remedies exist.
Analgesic drugs also have a role to play because of the associated complications. They are particularly useful in managing cases such as arthtris. If the joint swelling is very severe, aspiration of joint fluid may help. It should be pointed out that all treatments should be initiated and monitored by a qualified health professional.
The incidence of this condition is highest among children aged 5 to 14 years and adults in the fifth decade of life. The most significant risk factor is living in area that is infested with the vector ticks. It should be noted that the disease is not contagious. It is also not transmitted through the placenta of an infected mother to their unborn children.
The bacteria are transmitted by ticks found on deer in various geographical locations. A bite of the human flesh leads to the release of the bacteria into the blood stream of the affected individual. There is an early phase in which the condition is localised to the affected site and a later phase in which it spreads to other parts of the body as it becomes a systemic illness.
The initial presentation is in the form of flu like illness while the second is more severe and affects major body systems. Advanced forms may develop into meningitis, cerebral palsies and arthritis. Anxiety and depression have been reported in a number of affected persons. Diagnosis is made based on the clinical history as well as the presence of specific antibodies in the blood stream.
The antibodies can be detected in blood by use of a special technique known as ELISA. The main disadvantage of using this method us the fact that there may be false positive results in some cases. This may lead to treatment where there is no indication. Another major challenge experienced during diagnosis is the lack of specificity of symptoms. Consequently, misdiagnoses are fairly common.
Treatment is mainly through the use of antibiotics. There are numerous antibiotics that are very effective and the choice depends on disease severity and the area of the body that has been affected. Oral drugs have been found to be highly effective for early phase illness while intravenous drugs are useful in the advanced forms of the disease. The most important thing to remember here is that prompt treatment has better outcomes.
The main oral antibiotics that are used are doxycycline, cefuroxime and amoxicillin. In most cases the early symptoms will resolve within a few weeks without any long term consequences. Doxycycline is harmful to growing bone and should therefore be avoided in pregnant women and in children that are less than eight years. The drugs that have been approved for intravenous use are penicillin G and ceftriaxone. No home remedies exist.
Analgesic drugs also have a role to play because of the associated complications. They are particularly useful in managing cases such as arthtris. If the joint swelling is very severe, aspiration of joint fluid may help. It should be pointed out that all treatments should be initiated and monitored by a qualified health professional.
The incidence of this condition is highest among children aged 5 to 14 years and adults in the fifth decade of life. The most significant risk factor is living in area that is infested with the vector ticks. It should be noted that the disease is not contagious. It is also not transmitted through the placenta of an infected mother to their unborn children.
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