Also known as Lyme borreliosis, Lyme disease is a minor infection caused by bacterial attack. Ticks, especially those of borrelia species, spread the bacteria. The bacteria then pass on from the tick to humans through a tick bite. The original source of the disease before getting to ticks is deer or mice. These animals pass the infection to ticks, but not all ticks will carry the infection. With extensive research and development of cures of most diseases, there are also major developments in the cure of Lyme disease. This article addresses the question of; is there a cure for lyme disease?
Passing the infection to a human being from a tick after being attached will take around 36 to 48 hours. Due to their minute size, noticing and removal of the ticks may be difficult. The ticks also settle in hidden parts of the body making it difficult for you to see. Groin, armpits and scalp regions are some of their favorite areas. After getting infected, the first and foremost symptom is the development of an erythema migran. This appears as a reddish area and expands as it swells. It originally starts as a rash. It is however not itchy and painless.
High temperatures, frequent headaches and fatigue are the other signs that follow. With continued infection, joints, the face, neck, heart and muscles are also affected. The resulting signs and symptoms are because of these systemic infections. Neck rigidity and muscle cramps are other signs and symptoms resulting from the infection. Inflammation of the meninges may occur if the infection spreads to the brain. Basing on these symptoms a diagnosis is possibly made. However, true diagnosis is made though blood tests.
Getting cured from the disorder is very possible. The chances of getting cured without complications are increased with early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Complications arising from the disease may occur if diagnosis is made at a later stage, after the disorder has spread.
Lyme disease is usually treated with antibiotic therapy. Doxycycline, which is considered as the first line therapy, is commonly used for treatment. Apart from the advantage of curing the disease, Doxycycline also has the advantage of curing all other infections of tick origin. Due to its adverse effects, it is not advisable for use in children particularly less than eight years and expectant women.
In addition to Doxycycline, amoxicillin and azithromycin are the other antibiotic medications used as second line for treatment of Lyme disorder. Oral and intravenous routes of administration can be used to administer them. Treatment regimen usually varies and range from one to four weeks of therapy. This regimen depends on the severity of the disease. Initiating treatment within two weeks of infection increases its effectiveness. This however, is not possible as it takes five weeks for the bacteria to appear in blood used for confirmatory diagnosis.
As we all know, prevention is better than cure. It is therefore more prudent to prevent this disease than cure it. There are many ways that have been suggested to prevent the disease. Vaccines were initially the most effective way of preventing the disease. However, production of the vaccines was stopped due to the small market that was available.
To add on that, use of preventive cloths for protection, wearing light colored clothes that makes the tick is easily visible, keeping off long grass, application of repellents and limited contact with deer and mice are other preventive means.
Passing the infection to a human being from a tick after being attached will take around 36 to 48 hours. Due to their minute size, noticing and removal of the ticks may be difficult. The ticks also settle in hidden parts of the body making it difficult for you to see. Groin, armpits and scalp regions are some of their favorite areas. After getting infected, the first and foremost symptom is the development of an erythema migran. This appears as a reddish area and expands as it swells. It originally starts as a rash. It is however not itchy and painless.
High temperatures, frequent headaches and fatigue are the other signs that follow. With continued infection, joints, the face, neck, heart and muscles are also affected. The resulting signs and symptoms are because of these systemic infections. Neck rigidity and muscle cramps are other signs and symptoms resulting from the infection. Inflammation of the meninges may occur if the infection spreads to the brain. Basing on these symptoms a diagnosis is possibly made. However, true diagnosis is made though blood tests.
Getting cured from the disorder is very possible. The chances of getting cured without complications are increased with early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Complications arising from the disease may occur if diagnosis is made at a later stage, after the disorder has spread.
Lyme disease is usually treated with antibiotic therapy. Doxycycline, which is considered as the first line therapy, is commonly used for treatment. Apart from the advantage of curing the disease, Doxycycline also has the advantage of curing all other infections of tick origin. Due to its adverse effects, it is not advisable for use in children particularly less than eight years and expectant women.
In addition to Doxycycline, amoxicillin and azithromycin are the other antibiotic medications used as second line for treatment of Lyme disorder. Oral and intravenous routes of administration can be used to administer them. Treatment regimen usually varies and range from one to four weeks of therapy. This regimen depends on the severity of the disease. Initiating treatment within two weeks of infection increases its effectiveness. This however, is not possible as it takes five weeks for the bacteria to appear in blood used for confirmatory diagnosis.
As we all know, prevention is better than cure. It is therefore more prudent to prevent this disease than cure it. There are many ways that have been suggested to prevent the disease. Vaccines were initially the most effective way of preventing the disease. However, production of the vaccines was stopped due to the small market that was available.
To add on that, use of preventive cloths for protection, wearing light colored clothes that makes the tick is easily visible, keeping off long grass, application of repellents and limited contact with deer and mice are other preventive means.
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