Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection that can cause serious illness. Named after the Connecticut town where a cluster of cases were diagnosed in the mid-1970s, the disease has been reported throughout much of the United States with the highest infection on the east coast from Maine to Maryland, in the Upper Midwest and in California. The cause is a kind of screw-shaped bacteria known as spirochete, which is transmitted by several species of tiny ticks. Although these ticks are most common on deer, rodents and other wild animals, but also bite humans. The first sign of Lyme disease is usually a painless, donut-shaped red rash, which is based on the site of the tick bite within one few weeks, although in some cases is earlier. It is often many people are unaware that they have been infected with Lyme disease because they do not know, was bitten by a tick. (up to half of those who are not bitten to develop the warning rash.) Without treatment, weeks or even months after the bite, arthritis, cardiovascular, and / or neurological complications may occur. The most common symptoms are joint swelling, pain and stiffness. Less frequent complications are cardiac arrhythmias, meningitis, neurological disorders including paralysis, and depression and other mental health problems. infection in pregnant women may cause fetal death and miscarriage.

Diagnostic tests and procedures

There are blood tests for Lyme disease, but they have limitations. For example, it may be months for an infection to a positive result with anti-body tests. This situation is likely to change if experimental tests meet their initial promise. In the meantime, a diagnosis can often be based on the symptoms and the likelihood of exposure to a tick bite.

Medical Treatments

Lyme disease can usually be cured with antibiotics, especially if they are in their earliest stages, before complications occur. In the past, penicillin or tetracy Cline were the drugs of choice, but currently favors doxycycline therapy, an easily absorbed tetracycline, amoxicillin, or a penicillin derivative, which increases the potency. Doxycycline is the most commonly used because it has to be taken only twice a day and caused fewer gastrointestinal side effects than amoxicillin, which must be taken three times a day. More serious infections, especially those that are the central nervous system that may be treated with ceftriaxone (Rocephin), this is a new antibiotic, by injection or intravenously. Approaches for a subsequent and serious manifestations of Lyme disease remains controversial. In general, the treatment at this stage is longer and more intense. It may be necessary in two to four weeks of intravenous therapy with ceftriaxone or penicillin G, especially for central nervous system complications such as meningitis. Intravenous therapy may be in the clinic, an outpatient clinic or home visit by a nurse or therapist IV. If the symptoms despite a course of IV antibiotics, some doctors recommend that long-term intravenous therapy. Others feel that this approach is futile. Other medical treatment depending on symptoms. For example, Lyme arthritis generally responds to aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-inflammatory medication. People with certain types of arrhythmias can be treated with antiarrhythmia drugs, others may be from the implantation of a pacemaker. Eye inflammation can be treated with antibiotic eye drops. Drugs may also be prescribed to treat depression. Vaccines against Lyme disease are tested in areas of Connecticut where the disease is widespread. If these are proving effective, Lyme disease is a preventable disease.

Alternative Therapies

Physical therapy. A physical therapist recommended that the exercises help maintain function inflamed joints and mobility, but at the same time will not be damaged. An occupational therapist can learn new ways to do daily tasks with minimal pain.

Tai Chi

The gentle movements of this ancient exercise routine can help maintain flexibility and can also be healing and a feeling of wellbeing.

Self-treatment

The ideal treatment is to prevent Lyme disease by avoiding tick bites. When in tick infested areas, wear light clothing on which ticks will be visible, and spray it with the peregrine falcon. Apply an insect repellant, preferably the DEET in concentrations of less than 35 percent to exposed skin. (Check with your doctor before using DEET on a small child, it can cause seizures.) Also, try to avoid brush and leaf litter. Shower as soon as possible after an excursion in an area known to be inhabited by ticks, and then check carefully. If you have a tick on your body, remove them immediately by grasping with tweezers as close as possible to the skin as possible and gently pluck. The faster it is, the lower the risk that they transmit infection. Place the tick in a closed container so that they can be examined, if you have any symptoms. Make sure all dogs and cats wear tick collars, pets and comb regularly to remove ticks.

Other causes for the symptoms of Lyme

Arthritis symptoms similar to those of Lynne's disease can be rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and customer syndrome, a form of infectious arthritis. Neurological symptoms may be encephalitis and other CNS infections. Depression and chronic fatigue syndrome may be mistaken for Lynne disease.

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