What Is Lyme’s Disease?

by Matson Huff | Jul 10, 2023 | Lyme's Disease

Lyme’s disease, also known as Lyme’s borreliosis, is a tick-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi or, less commonly, Borrelia mayonii. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus) in North America and Ixodes ricinus in Europe.

The signs and symptoms of Lyme’s disease can vary widely, and they often resemble symptoms of other illnesses, making diagnosis challenging. The most common early sign is a circular rash known as erythema migrans (EM), which appears at the site of the tick bite after a few days or up to a month. This rash may expand over time and can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

Preventing Lyme’s disease involves taking precautions to avoid tick bites. This includes wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, checking for ticks after spending time outdoors, and removing ticks promptly and properly. It’s important to be aware of the risk of Lyme’s disease, particularly in areas where infected ticks are prevalent, and to seek medical attention if symptoms suggestive of Lyme’s disease develop after a tick bite.

Who Do You See if You Have Lyme’s Disease Symptoms?

Diagnosing Lyme’s disease involves considering a combination of factors, including symptoms, history of tick exposure, and laboratory tests. Blood tests can be performed to detect antibodies against the bacteria, but they may not always be reliable in the early stages of infection.

If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease, it is recommended to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional. There are several healthcare providers who can evaluate and diagnose Lyme disease, including:

Primary care physician (PCP): Your first point of contact is typically your primary care physician, such as a family doctor, internist, or general practitioner. They can assess your symptoms, take a medical history, and conduct a physical examination. Based on their evaluation, they may order tests or refer you to a specialist if needed.

Infectious disease specialist: These doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating infectious diseases, including Lyme disease. They have in-depth knowledge and experience in managing various infectious conditions and may provide expertise in diagnosing and managing Lyme disease.

Rheumatologist: Rheumatologists are specialists who diagnose and treat diseases that affect the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Since Lyme disease can sometimes present with joint pain and inflammation, a rheumatologist may be involved in the evaluation and management of Lyme disease, particularly in cases where joint symptoms are prominent.

Neurologist: If Lyme disease affects the nervous system, such as causing facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), meningitis, or neuropathy, a neurologist may be consulted for evaluation and management.

Dermatologist: In the early stages of Lyme disease, when the characteristic erythema migrans rash appears, a dermatologist may be involved in the evaluation and diagnosis.

It’s important to note that Lyme disease can present with a wide range of symptoms, and diagnosis can sometimes be challenging due to the similarity of symptoms to other conditions. Therefore, it may be helpful to consult healthcare providers who have experience in diagnosing and managing Lyme disease or who are familiar with its prevalence in your geographic area.

Remember to provide your healthcare provider with a detailed medical history, including any recent exposure to ticks or outdoor activities in areas known for Lyme disease, as this information can be crucial in guiding the diagnostic process.

What Treatments Can Help?

The treatment of Lyme disease typically involves the use of antibiotics to eliminate the infection. The specific antibiotic and treatment duration depend on several factors, including the stage of the disease, the severity of symptoms, and the presence of any complications. 

If left untreated, Lyme’s disease can progress to more severe symptoms that may affect multiple systems in the body, including the nervous system, joints, heart, and even other organs. These symptoms can include severe headaches, neck stiffness, additional rashes, facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), joint pain and swelling, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and cognitive difficulties.

Here are the commonly used treatment approaches for Lyme disease:

Early-stage Lyme disease: If Lyme disease is diagnosed in its early stages, oral antibiotics are generally prescribed. The most commonly used antibiotics include doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime. Treatment duration is usually 10 to 21 days, depending on the antibiotic prescribed and the severity of symptoms. Early treatment is crucial to prevent the progression of the disease and potential complications.

Lyme disease with neurological involvement: If Lyme disease affects the central nervous system, such as causing meningitis or facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be recommended to ensure higher antibiotic levels reach the affected area. Ceftriaxone is a commonly used IV antibiotic for this purpose. Treatment duration may vary but typically lasts for 14 to 28 days.

Persistent or late-stage Lyme disease: Some individuals may experience persistent or recurrent symptoms despite initial antibiotic treatment. In such cases, a more extended course of antibiotics may be considered. The choice of antibiotics and treatment duration is determined on an individual basis, and it may involve a combination of oral and IV antibiotics.

It’s important to note that self-treatment with antibiotics or prolonged antibiotic use without proper medical supervision is not recommended. The decision to use antibiotics and the selection of the appropriate regimen should be made by a qualified healthcare professional based on a thorough evaluation of your condition.

Regenerative Medicine for Lyme’s Disease

Regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the potential in managing Lyme’s disease-related complications.

Mesenchymal stem cells are a type of adult stem cells found in various tissues, such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. They have the ability to differentiate into different cell types and possess immunomodulatory properties, meaning they can regulate the immune system’s response.

In the context of Lyme’s disease, researchers have investigated the potential of MSCs in addressing the inflammatory response and tissue damage associated with the disease. It is thought that MSCs may help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, which could potentially alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

Studies have shown promising results, suggesting that MSCs can reduce inflammation, protect tissues from damage, and improve outcomes. This alternative option is available for those interested in exploring treatment options to help them make informed decisions about what is best to manage their symptoms. If you want to learn more, contact us at Stemedix today!