What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is an infection caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected black-legged tick. The disease is characterized by the presence of a rash of varying shapes and sizes, fatigue, fever, joint pain and swollen lymph nodes. It can also cause neurological issues such as confusion and memory loss. If left untreated, Lyme Disease can cause serious health issues, including heart problems and neurological damage. Because of its severity, it is important to know how to cure Lyme Disease.
What Causes Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is caused by the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. The bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is present in the tick’s saliva, is then transferred to the human host, causing the infection. People can become infected if the tick remains attached to the skin for at least 36 hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 300,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Lyme Disease each year.
Diagnosing Lyme Disease
The most common way to diagnose Lyme Disease is through a combination of physical examination and laboratory tests. The physical examination will look for signs of the rash and other symptoms. Medical history may also be taken into account. Laboratory tests such as blood tests, urine tests and antibody tests can also be used to detect the presence of the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi in the body.
Treatment of Lyme Disease
Treatment of Lyme Disease usually involves a combination of antibiotics and supportive care. The most common antibiotics used to treat Lyme Disease are doxycycline, amoxicillin and cefuroxime axetil. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the infection and can range from two weeks to several months. In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. Other supportive treatments may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy.
Preventing Lyme Disease
The best way to prevent Lyme Disease is to avoid tick bites. This can be done by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors in areas where ticks may be present. People should also use insect repellent when outdoors, and check for ticks after being outdoors. Other preventive measures include keeping grass and shrubs mowed and removing leaf litter.
Living with Lyme Disease
Living with Lyme Disease can be difficult, but there are ways to manage the condition. It is important to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. People should also stay in close contact with their healthcare provider, and adhere to the prescribed treatment plan. Additionally, stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness can be beneficial for people with Lyme Disease.
Complications of Lyme Disease
If left untreated, Lyme Disease can cause serious health problems, such as joint and neurological damage. People may also experience chronic fatigue, memory loss and confusion. In rare cases, Lyme Disease can be fatal. This is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if any symptoms of Lyme Disease are present.
Conclusion
Lyme Disease is a serious infection caused by the bite of an infected black-legged tick. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems, including joint and neurological damage. Treatment of Lyme Disease usually involves a combination of antibiotics and supportive care. The best way to prevent Lyme Disease is to avoid tick bites, use insect repellent and check for ticks after being outdoors. If any symptoms of Lyme Disease are present, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.