Will Lyme Disease Go Away?
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 476,000 cases of Lyme disease are noted per year in the U.S alone. Lyme disease is caused by a tiny creature called a tick, which can transmit a bacterium called Borrelia when it bites. This bacterium can lead to various symptoms, and if left untreated, it can cause long-term health problems.
● Lyme disease can be a puzzling and challenging illness to face. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this disease, you might be wondering, will Lyme disease go away on its own? This article highlights the aspect of Lyme disease, and whether it goes away on its own or not
Why is Lyme disease left undiagnosed in some cases?
Lyme disease can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, many of which are non-specific and can mimic other common illnesses. These symptoms may include fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, and fever. Because these symptoms can overlap with those of other conditions, doctors may not immediately consider Lyme disease as the cause.
After a tick bite, it can take days or even weeks for symptoms of Lyme disease to appear. This delay can cause individuals to forget about the tick bite or not connect their symptoms to a tick encounter, making it more challenging for healthcare providers to make the connection.
The diagnostic tests for Lyme disease are not always foolproof. The commonly used serological tests, like the ELISA and Western blot, can produce false-negative results, especially in the early stages of the disease. This can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. It is important to find a Lyme literate doctor.
While the classic bull's-eye rash called erythema migrans is a hallmark of Lyme disease, not everyone will develop this rash, and it can be easy to miss. Moreover, Lyme disease can be accompanied by other tick-borne infections, such as Babesiosis, bartonella, or Anaplasmosis, which can complicate the diagnostic process. Identifying these co-infections can be challenging, and their symptoms may overlap with Lyme disease.
What happens if Lyme disease is left untreated?
Diagnosing Lyme disease accurately relies on blood tests. Without reliable testing, cases of Lyme disease can go unnoticed, potentially leading to various complications.
Joint Inflammation
When Lyme disease remains untreated, Borrelia bacteria can invade joints and surrounding tissues, triggering an inflammatory response as cartilage in the joints is damaged. People with Lyme disease often experience stiffness and pain in their knees, wrists, ankles, hips, and elbows, with knee swelling being a common symptom.
Neurological Symptoms
In rare instances, particularly in later stages of Lyme disease, Borrelia bacteria may breach the brain barrier. This occurs when the bacteria multiply over time due to lack of treatment, leading to neurological symptoms like numbness, pain, weakness, Bell's palsy, visual disturbances, tremors and symptoms resembling meningitis. Although there are reports of Lyme disease causing cognitive dysfunction through these neurological symptoms, this remains unproven.
Heart Rhythm Irregularities
Lyme disease can progress to Lyme carditis if Borrelia bacteria infiltrate heart tissues. This interference with electrical signals from the heart's upper to lower chambers can result in "heart block," a disruption in heart rhythm coordination. However, Lyme carditis is exceedingly rare, occurring in only about 1% of reported cases.
Fortunately, most individuals with Lyme disease respond well to antibiotics and achieve full recovery. In a small percentage of cases, symptoms may persist or recur, necessitating additional antibiotic treatment. Early and accurate diagnosis remains crucial in managing Lyme disease and preventing complications.
Can you live with untreated Lyme disease?
You might survive with acute Lyme disease. Last stage Lyme disease, also known as chronic Lyme disease, occurs months or even years after the acute Lyme disease infection if it's not treated early. If left untreated, Lyme disease can become more severe and spread throughout the body from the initial tick bite location. However, it can still be treated with antibiotics at this stage, although treatment may vary.
Symptoms of chronic Lyme disease can include severe headaches, joint pain and muscle pain and swelling, heart rhythm disturbances, brain-related issues like memory problems and difficulty concentrating, numbness, and problems with conversations. Everyone is different and may experience even more symptoms.
It's possible to have Lyme disease and not realize it because its symptoms can be subtle. The most reliable way to confirm whether you have Lyme disease is through a lab test. So, if you suspect you might have contracted Lyme disease, it's important to find a Lyme literate doctor and get tested. You should consider taking a Lyme disease test if:
● You have symptoms of Lyme disease.
● You live in an area with lots of vegetation or woodlands.
● You live in parts of North America or Northern Europe.
● You often go camping or hiking, especially during the summer or autumn.
● You regularly encounter large woodland animals.
● Remember that ticks are everywhere. Even in desert areas.
How can Lyme disease be treated?
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the cornerstone of Lyme disease treatment, and their effectiveness is highest when administered early in the infection. They work by targeting and killing the bacteria responsible for the disease.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing Lyme disease effectively. If left untreated, the infection can progress to more severe stages, leading to complications such as joint inflammation, heart problems, severe pain and neurological issues. Early treatment can often prevent these complications and lead to a full recovery.
The choice of antibiotics and the duration of treatment depend on the stage of the disease and the patient's individual circumstances. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime. Treatment typically lasts for two to three weeks for early localized Lyme disease. For more advanced stages, a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary.
Complementary therapies
Some individuals with Lyme disease explore alternative and complementary therapies alongside antibiotic treatment. These may include herbal supplements, dietary changes, acupuncture, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. While these therapies may offer symptom relief or support overall well-being, they should be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
It's essential to consult a Lyme literate healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if Lyme disease is suspected. With prompt and appropriate medical care, many individuals with Lyme disease can achieve a complete recovery and minimize the risk of long-term complications.