Methods On How To Treat Lyme Disease

By Francis Riggs


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 causative bacteria are transmitted by ticks living on deer as parasites. A bite from the tick introduces bacteria into the blood stream. This gives rise to the first phase of the illness. The organisms incubate for a brief period of days or weeks before giving rise to the full blown illness, the second phase. The rate of progression depends on the amount of bacteria released during the bite.

The initial phase of the illness is characterised by flu like illness which lasts for a few days. During this period, the bacteria undergo incubation to produce the second phase of the illness. This phase is more aggressive and may manifest as arthritis, meningitis or cerebral palsy. Clinical history is the main method that is used in making the diagnosis. In a number of cases, there is formation of specific antibodies which can also be used for diagnosis.

A special technique, ELISA, is used in the detection of the antibodies. It is important to remember that antibodies may be detected in blood in the absence of an illness. They tend to remain in the blood stream even when the patient has been treated and cured. Interpretation of a positive result should therefore be treated with a lot of caution. The nonspecific nature of the illness is another major challenge as it resembles other diseases.

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.

Supportive management is also necessary due to the many associated complications. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory agents are often part of treatment. For very severe joint pain, aspiration of synovial fluid from the affected joints is helpful. It is important to seek the opinion of a qualified health expert before starting treatment.

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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