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.
Antibodies to the bacteria are detected using a special technique known as ELISA. The use of the antibodies has the downside of giving a number of false positive results. This is because the antibodies remain to circulate in the body. This means that their presence in the body should be treated with caution. The other major challenge to diagnosis is the fact that the symptoms are at times nonspecific and the disease may be misdiagnosed for rheumatoid arthritis.
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.
Research has established that this illness has the highest incidence among children 5 to 14 years. Another peak is at 40 to 50 years among adults. The biggest risk factor to contracting this illness is living in an area with tick infested deer. Fortunately, transmission does not occur through contact or across the placenta.
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.
Antibodies to the bacteria are detected using a special technique known as ELISA. The use of the antibodies has the downside of giving a number of false positive results. This is because the antibodies remain to circulate in the body. This means that their presence in the body should be treated with caution. The other major challenge to diagnosis is the fact that the symptoms are at times nonspecific and the disease may be misdiagnosed for rheumatoid arthritis.
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.
Research has established that this illness has the highest incidence among children 5 to 14 years. Another peak is at 40 to 50 years among adults. The biggest risk factor to contracting this illness is living in an area with tick infested deer. Fortunately, transmission does not occur through contact or across the placenta.
About the Author:
You can visit www.lymeaidegm.com/ for more helpful information about Options On How To Treat Lyme Disease.
No comments:
Post a Comment