Lyme Disease
The Ultimate Guide | Lyme Warrior
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease (lyme borreliosis) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is typically transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks but can be contracted in many other ways. The disease was first identified in the town of Lyme, Connecticut in 1975, when a group of children displayed symptoms of arthritis.
In 1981, IRP researcher William Burgdorfer, Ph. D., at the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases discovered spirochetes—a type of slim, spiral bacteria that causes Lyme disease was named after Dr. Burgdorfer—Borrelia burgdorferi. Since his seminal 1982 paper on its discovery, more than 6,000 studies on clinical, epidemiological, and bacterial aspects of this disease have been published.
Lyme Disease has since been reported in all 50 states and all parts of the world. Lyme disease can affect various body systems, including: the skin, joints, brain, nervous system, and heart.
The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary widely and may include
a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans,
fever,
fatigue,
headache,
muscle and joint pain,
and swollen lymph nodes
among hundreds of other symptoms.
If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious complications such as arthritis, heart palpitations, neurological problems, and even death. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are essential to prevent the progression of the disease.
Scroll down for more about treatment options, prevention, and other issues around Lyme Disease.
How do you get Lyme disease?
Lyme disease bacteria, borrelia burgdorferi, is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick or infected biting insect.
Lyme disease can be contracted via other methods such as
other insect bites,
transmission from mother to child via placenta and breast milk,
exposure to contaminated blood, and
possibly even sexually transmitted (studies are still in progress to confirm or deny).
In addition to ticks, there is some evidence that other insects like mosquitoes, fleas, and lice may also be able to transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, although this mode of transmission is thought to be less common than tick bites. However, it is important to note that not all ticks or insects carry the bacteria, and not all tick or insect bites will result in Lyme disease.
Lyme Disease Symptoms
Lyme Disease Symptoms and Lyme Disease signs can have huge range and be mild to disabling. Find common Early Lyme Disease symptoms and Chronic Lyme disease symptoms & what you can do to manage them or get tested for Lyme Disease. Visit our resources tab for more about testing, treatments, etc.
74% of patients with chronic Lyme reported at least 1 symptom as severe or very severe.
The symptoms of Lyme disease significantly overlap with other serious diseases, such as chronic fatigue, ALS, depression, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Acute Lyme Disease Symptoms
Lyme Disease Symptoms are similar to flu symptoms.
fever
chills and sweats
muscle aches
fatigue
nausea
Less than half of people with a bite ever show the characteristic bullseye rash.
If Lyme disease is not diagnosed and treated early, it may become late-stage or chronic. This may also occur when early treatment is inadequate.
Chronic Lyme Disease Symptoms
Lyme disease may spread to any part of the body and affect any body system. Typically, it affects more than one body system.
Symptoms may include:
fatigue
muscle pain
other pain
sleep issues
cognitive issues
depression
anxiety
neuropathy
headaches
and many other symptoms
Lyme Disease Diagnosis and Lyme Disease Tests
Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can vary from person to person and can mimic other conditions. Blood tests are commonly used to confirm the diagnosis, but other methods can be used.
Current testing for Lyme Disease ranges between 20%-50% accuracy depending on the testing method. Because of inaccurate testing, Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis. If you suspect an infection, a knowledgeable doctor should always be consulted for proper testing and clinical diagnosis. If left untreated or treated ineffectively, Lyme disease can become chronic, systemic, neurological, psychiatric, and cardiological.
It’s very important to take Lyme Disease signs seriously, even if they are not always supported by doctors. Advocate for yourself if you think you might be dealing with Lyme Disease. Visit our resources on reliable testing here.
Lyme Disease Treatment
It is important to address a Lyme Disease infection as soon as possible to prevent complications. The management and treatment of Lyme disease involve a combination of strategies aimed at relieving symptoms, controlling the spread of infection, and preventing long-term complications.
There is no standard treatment for Lyme Disease. Many patients must try a variety and combinations of treatments before they find something that works for them. Learn more about treatment methods for Lyme Disease here.
Most traditional treatments include:
a combination of oral or intravenous antibiotics,
herbal protocols, or
alternative therapies.
Most treatments advocate for “detoxing”, a system of removing toxins created by treating Lyme Disease and helping the body remove toxins efficiently. Many patients report increased symptoms when treating Lyme Disease.
We encourage patients not to dismiss treatment methods before they have done their research. As Lyme Disease has not been studied to the capacity that is needed, there are many protocols that can have success but have not been taken mainstream. Connect with others in the Lyme community and find out how others are reaching remission.
Who is at Risk of Lyme Disease?
The answer is, unfortunately, everyone. Lyme Disease has been found in every state and on every continent.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 ticks carries a bacterial infection that can be transmitted.
Ticks have been found in all climates, from forests to city sidewalks.
Ticks are transported by migrating birds and are now found in all parts of the world today.
It is important to learn about prevention below and what you can do to protect yourself from Lyme Disease tick bites.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you suspect you have Lyme Disease, take this 6-second audit to see if you are a likely candidate.
Three Stages of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease (lyme borreliosis) progresses in stages, and symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease. The early stage of the disease is characterized by flu-like symptoms, while the later stages can involve more serious complications, such as joint pain, heart problems, and neurological issues.
Stage 1: Early Localized Lyme Disease .The first stage of Lyme disease typically begins within a few weeks of a tick bite. At this stage, the bacteria are localized to the area of the tick bite.
Stage 2: Early Disseminated Lyme Disease. If Lyme disease is not caught and treated during the early localized stage, the bacteria can spread throughout the body, leading to more serious symptoms. Stage 2 Lyme disease typically occurs within weeks to months after the initial tick bite.
Symptoms may include
flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue,
swollen lymph nodes,
headache,
stiff neck,
joint pain,
and a rash that appears in multiple areas of the body.
At this stage, the bacteria may have spread to the heart, nervous system, or other organs, which can lead to more serious complications.
Stage 3: Late Disseminated Lyme Disease. Late disseminated Lyme disease occurs when the bacteria have been in the body for several months to years, and can cause a wide range of symptoms that can affect the entire body.
Symptoms may include:
joint pain and swelling,
muscle weakness,
cognitive impairment,
heart palpitations, and
fatigue.
In some cases, these symptoms can persist for months or even years after antibiotic treatment, leading to what is commonly referred to as chronic Lyme disease.
Lyme Disease Prevention
Preventing Lyme disease involves avoiding tick bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants when in high tick habitats, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being outdoors. It is also important to remove ticks as soon as possible if they are found.
Our recommendations for preventing tick bites are:
Always wear repellant - Repellants come in a variety of options from sprays, to wearable devices, to pretreated clothing. Find a system that fits into your everyday life so you can be prepared for all situations.
Tuck your pants into your socks.
Wearing bright colors will allow you to see ticks easier.
Keep a tick kit with you at all times; replenish as needed.
If you are bitten by a tick, submit the tick for pathogen testing through our guide here.
Lyme Disease FAQ’s
Is Lyme disease contagious?
Lyme Disease (Lyme borreliosis) is currently being studied for its ability to be transmitted from human to human. Currently, research indicates that it is possible to contract Lyme Disease through sexual contact, blood transfusions, or from mother to infant.
We encourage Lyme-positive patients to be conscious of their potential to transmit Lyme Disease to their sexual partners or through birth, along with considering blood and organ donations.
More research is needed on the full extent to which humans can transmit Lyme Disease to other humans.
Can Lyme disease be cured?
Lyme Disease is currently incurable, however, remission from Lyme Disease is possible. The goal of treatment is to lower the bacterial load in your body so you can live without symptoms. Leading practitioners believe that people still carry the bacteria in their bodies which is why many people experience relapses without a new tick bite or exposure. Current leading LLMDs believe that a healthy lifestyle can lead to a symptom-free lifestyle but treatment may need to be started again if symptoms re-occur.
It’s important to be aware that with flawed Lyme Disease testing, a negative Lyme Disease test does not mean you are cured or indicate remission. Please consult a Lyme Literate doctor for more information.
How serious is Lyme disease?
Lyme Disease patients experience a huge spectrum of issues which can range from non-existent to death. Lyme disease can be a serious illness, especially if left untreated or if not diagnosed early. While many people with Lyme disease recover fully, some individuals may develop chronic symptoms that can be disabling and affect their quality of life.
Every individual is different in how their immune system copes with Lyme Disease along with other conditions the body might be fighting. Lyme Disease should be taken seriously and addressed as soon as possible to prevent long-term issues or serious complications.
What happens if Lyme disease goes untreated?
Untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage of infection. If left untreated, Lyme Disease bacteria are left to multiply and expand to different areas of the body where they can become more damaging and harder to treat. These symptoms may include joint swelling and pain, heart palpitations, facial paralysis, and severe headaches. In some cases, Lyme disease can cause permanent damage to the joints, nervous system, brain, and heart and lead to long-term health issues.
What are the early signs or symptoms of Lyme disease?
Early signs and/or symptoms of Lyme Disease may include but are not limited to:
Erythema Migrans, skin rash, which may or may not look like a bull’s eye (50% of patients experience a rash)
flu-like illness, including chills and fever
fatigue
headache and stiff neck
muscle soreness and joint pain
swollen lymph nodes
sore throat
emotional abnormalities like panic attacks
change in behavior or emotions
digestive issues or changes
Where are Ticks Found?
While deer ticks are most abundant in wooded areas, they are also commonly found in our lawns and shrubs. Ticks are commonly found in damp, moist areas but will extend their area if they are looking for new hosts. There are a number of measures people can take to reduce the possibility of being bitten by a tick including prevention and taking precautions around your yard & home.
Ticks will also frequently attach to mice, deer, birds, etc to help them move from one environment to another.
Ticks need moisture, a place away from direct sunlight, and a place to hide. The cleaner you keep the area around the house, the less likely your chances of being bitten by a tick. There are also many methods of yard treatment that can be used to keep your yard tick free.