Lyme disease is an illness caused by bacterial organisms that are spread by tick bites. The responsible bacteria are generally known as spirochetes but exist in different species. The affected person complains of a wide range of symptoms that include among bothers, skin lesions, joint pains, and nervous system effects. There are a number of options on how to treat Lyme disease that one may wish to know.
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.
The mainstay of treatment is by antibiotics. Oral antibiotics are mainly used for early forms of the condition while the intravenous drugs are more effective for the second phase which is more severe. The specific choice of antibiotic that is chosen is mainly dependent on disease severity and the exact part of the body that is affected. Treatment should be started as soon as possible.
Doxycycline, amoxicillin and cefuroxime are some of the drugs that are used for early phase treatment. If treated promptly the early phase of the illness resolves in a week or two and usually there are no long term consequences. Doxycycline is, however, contraindicated in expectant women and children under the age of 8. The drugs that are commonly used once complications set in include ceftriaxone ad penicillin G. Unfortunately, no home remedies exist.
Other drugs that are used are mainly for supportive treatment. For instance pain relieving drugs are often necessary for the pain associated with joint swelling. These drugs also help in reducing the associated inflammation. For the severely swollen joints, drainage of joint fluid is usually useful.
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.
The mainstay of treatment is by antibiotics. Oral antibiotics are mainly used for early forms of the condition while the intravenous drugs are more effective for the second phase which is more severe. The specific choice of antibiotic that is chosen is mainly dependent on disease severity and the exact part of the body that is affected. Treatment should be started as soon as possible.
Doxycycline, amoxicillin and cefuroxime are some of the drugs that are used for early phase treatment. If treated promptly the early phase of the illness resolves in a week or two and usually there are no long term consequences. Doxycycline is, however, contraindicated in expectant women and children under the age of 8. The drugs that are commonly used once complications set in include ceftriaxone ad penicillin G. Unfortunately, no home remedies exist.
Other drugs that are used are mainly for supportive treatment. For instance pain relieving drugs are often necessary for the pain associated with joint swelling. These drugs also help in reducing the associated inflammation. For the severely swollen joints, drainage of joint fluid is usually useful.
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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