What exactly is Chronic Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. The majority of cases have been caused by black legged ticks or deer ticks. The patient is bitten and the bacteria carrying tick will infect the patient with chronic Lyme disease.
http://www.healthline.com/health/lyme-disease-chronic-persistent
Symptoms of Chronic Lyme Disease
The patient will soon experience some of the common chronic Lyme diseases in the early stages such as: stiff neck, fever, fatigue, joint pain and muscle aches. The patient may also have rashes around the the bitten area, most notably the bulls-eye rash. In some extreme cases, the patients may have nerve problems and arthritis.
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/arthritis-lyme-disease?page=2#1
How is Lyme Disease Transmitted?
Lyme disease is mainly transmitted by the bite from a specific tick. The animals that transmit these insects are mice, deer, black legged ticks and raccoons.
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/arthritis-lyme-disease
Risk Factors for Chronic Lyme Disease
Chronic lyme disease is also termed as “post lyme disease syndrome” and because of its lingering affects there are certain risk factors. If it is not treated properly or ignored the symptoms then the disease will progress to a stage where the effects might last even for years after the initial tick bite.
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/lyme-disease/risk-factors.html
Effective Ways To Treat Lyme Disease
If symptoms are recognized early, then the patient may be cured with antibiotics; the sooner the medications are given, the better. If the patient is less than 9 years of age or a pregnant woman then amoxicillin or penicillin is prescribed by the doctor. If the symptoms are not showing any signs of stopping then patients might need internal cardiac pacemaker because they might have a chance to experience long term heart damage.
https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-basics/lyme-disease/treatment/
Complications of Chronic Lyme Disease
Chronic Lyme Disease may severely affect the patients mobility and cognitive skills. They need to learn how to manage their extreme lifestyle changes and emotional stress as well. Patients should not lose their hopes quickly and should consult their doctors about remedies and therapy.
http://www.healthline.com/health/lyme-disease-chronic-persistent#Symptoms4
Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is generally tested with a blood test and checks the antibodies to the bacteria that is causing the disease. The ELISA test is the most effective diagnosis for lyme disease. Other diagnosis including spinal tap where the spinal fluid is ejaculated from the spinal canal for testing.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20019701
How to Prevent Lyme Disease.
Prevention is always better than having to cure. It’s better to use insect repellant when you are going to wooded or grassy areas or wet pitches. You should avoid high grasses while hiking and changing clothes after hiking is also a good idea. If you are a pet owner then you should always check your pets for ticks every once in a while and clean them as well.
http://www.healthline.com/health/lyme-disease-chronic-persistent#Overview1
Remove the tick if you notice it immediately. You must remove it with the help of hair pin or tweezers and detach it completely. Buy a tick removal kit before your trip or night out for safety measures. If the tick is removed then you can be in your comfort zone. Do not squeeze the tick as it will “vomit” into your skin.
Some more interesting tips here- http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/10-essential-facts-about-lyme-disease/
Where is Chronic Lyme Disease Spreading?
Chronic Lyme disease is reported in all 50 US states and more than 65 countries worldwide. Lyme disease was first discovered in England and since then it has been expanding throughout the world. WHO is constantly working for a effective medications for it.
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/index.php/about-lyme/cases-stats-maps-a-graphs/940-lyme-in-more-than-80-countries-worldwide
