LYME DISEASE

 Basic information

description

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a tick bite. Most people who get Lyme disease do not become seriously ill. Symptoms vary as it can infect several parts of the body. It is named for Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first described. It can affect any age.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Rash (called erythema migrans). It usually starts as a small red spot at the site of the tick bite. It slowly expands and becomes round or oval in shape with a clear center. It resembles a bulls-eye. Multiple rashes may appear elsewhere on the body in some cases.
• Mild flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle/joint aches, and swollen lymph glands).
• More symptoms may develop if infection spreads to other parts of the body (e.g., facial palsy, stiff neck, severe headaches, joint pain and swelling (especially the knees), shooting pains, or heart palpitations).

causes

Infection with the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick. The tick needs to be attached to the person for 2 to 3 days for infection to result. The tick bite may occur 3 to 30 days prior to the rash. Many people who get Lyme disease did not know they had a tick bite. The infection cannot be spread from one person to another.

risk increases with

Work, play, or recreational activities in states and locations at high risk for ticks. States include those in the northeast, mid-Atlantic, upper north-central United States, and some California counties. Ticks are often found in places that are grassy, brushy, or wooded.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Avoid tick-infested areas if possible. If in these areas, wear protective clothing with tight collars and cuffs. Use a permethrin spray to treat clothing and camping gear (such as tents). Use insect repellent (e.g., DEET).
• Have dogs and cats wear tick-repellent collars.
• Careful skin check and removal of any ticks. If the tick is removed from the skin within 36 to 48 hours, there is usually no infection. Remove any tick attached to you with tweezers. You may save tick in an air-tight container for possible medical exam.
• A drug may be prescribed to help prevent Lyme disease in certain cases of exposure. Seek medical advice.

expected outcomes

With early treatment, it is curable with antibiotics. Later disease stages can take weeks or months to respond to treatment. Untreated, it may clear up on its own or progress to other symptoms.

possible complications

• Late stages of untreated Lyme disease may occur months to years later. These include ongoing joint pain (Lyme arthritis), problems of the nervous system or heart, fatigue, memory problems, and other symptoms.
• In a few cases, non-specific symptoms continue after treatment (some call this post-Lyme disease syndrome). It has no specific treatment.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Medical tests may include blood studies and others to help confirm the diagnosis.
• Treatment is with antibiotic drugs. Early treatment helps prevent complications.
• Heat relieves joint pain or muscle aches. Take warm baths or showers, or use heating pads.
• To learn more: Lyme Disease Foundation, PO Box 332, Tolland, CT 06084; (800) 886-5963; website: www.lyme.org.

medications

• You may be prescribed:
  • An oral antibiotic (usually for 14 to 21 days) for early stage of the disease. The rash should begin to fade within a week.
  • Antibiotics given through a vein (IV) for later stages.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Steroid drugs to reduce the inflammatory response in the heart or central nervous system.

activity

Be as active as symptoms allow. Resume normal activities when symptoms clear up.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of Lyme disease or have been bitten by a tick.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop or symptoms do not improve with treatment.

Special Notes: