{"id":302,"date":"2017-07-18T05:18:43","date_gmt":"2017-07-18T05:18:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=302"},"modified":"2021-07-09T15:40:42","modified_gmt":"2021-07-09T15:40:42","slug":"16-signs-lyme-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/16-signs-lyme-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Signs of Lyme Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"An estimated 300,000 people are infected with Lyme disease each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Given the high incidence of this disease, as well as the fact that anyone is susceptible to it, it is important to be as informed as possible about this condition.<\/p>\n

You have probably heard about Lyme disease before, and you have likely heard about how the disease is transmitted; you may even know someone who is affected by it. However, in order to ensure that you know as much as possible about this disease, it\u2019s important to understand it fully. What is Lyme disease? How is it contracted? What are the signs and symptoms? In this article, we will introduce you to the basics of Lyme disease.<\/p>\n

What is Lyme Disease?<\/h3>\n

Lyme disease is a health condition that is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is primarily transmitted to human beings via deer ticks. These small creatures are often found in tall grasses and wooded areas. Once the tick attaches itself or bites onto, a person, if it infected with the bacteria, it transmits it into its victim\u2019s bloodstream. The bacteria that causes Lyme is often referred to as \u2018the great imitator\u2019 because symptoms that are associated with it are usually very similar to other illnesses. It affects any organ with the body, including the central nervous system, the brain, the muscles, the joints, and the heart.<\/p>\n

Those who are infected with Lyme disease are often diagnosed with other conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and even mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Misdiagnosis of this condition can delay the treatment of the underlying infection, which can complicate the side effects.<\/p>\n

How is Lyme Disease Contracted?<\/h3>\n

As mentioned above, Lyme disease is usually the result of a bite from a deer tick that has been infected with the bacteria that causes this illness. These ticks are very tiny, about the size of a poppy seed, and their bites are painless. Because of the small size of the tick and the inability to feel when they bite, they often go unnoticed when they attach themselves onto a person. If left undisturbed, an infected tick will begin feeding on its prey\u2019s blood. The longer the tick is left attached, the greater the chance that Lyme disease will be transferred into a person\u2019s bloodstream.<\/p>\n

Pregnant women who are infected with Lyme disease run the risk of transmitting it to their unborn child. There is suspicion that other forms of human-to-human transmission exist, but these methods have not been confirmed.<\/p>\n

How is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?<\/h3>\n

Lyme disease is diagnosed based on the symptoms that a patient exhibits, as well as his or her exposure to ticks. There are also blood tests that can help to diagnose the disease; however, they are not always reliable, as their efficacy depends on the stage of the disease. For example, in the first few weeks of the infection, a blood test may come back negative, as it can take several weeks for the antibodies in the disease to develop and be picked up by a blood test. Because of their unreliability, blood tests are usually only given to people who are exhibiting signs of Lyme disease.<\/p>\n

\"\"What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease?<\/h3>\n

It can be difficult to determine if any signs and symptoms a person is experiencing are actually related to Lyme disease. That\u2019s because there are different stages of the illness and each stage presents different symptoms. Additionally, Lyme often mimics the symptoms of other health conditions, which means that many people are not properly diagnosed.<\/p>\n

With that being said, here is a look at 16 signs that are common indicators of Lyme disease:<\/p>\n

1. A Red Rash<\/h3>\n

The most classic telltale symptom of Lyme disease<\/a> is a red, bull\u2019s eye ring rash. Known as erythema migrans, this rash usually begins as a small red area that expands over a period of several days. The rash develops at the site of the tick bite and grows bigger as the disease spreads. This rash usually isn\u2019t painful or itchy, and it typically develops within four weeks after infection.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"2. Fever<\/h3>\n

A fever<\/a> can also be a symptom of Lyme disease. As with many other conditions, a fever is a sign that the body is trying to fight off an infection.<\/p>\n

Since Lyme disease is an infection, it is not uncommon for people to develop a fever. Usually, a fever occurs within a few weeks after contracting the disease.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Fatigue<\/h3>\n

Another classic symptom of Lyme disease is excessive, chronic fatigue<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The tiredness a person experience is more severe than a lack of sleep; it is a profound state of exhaustion that can be debilitating. It usually gets worse as the illness progresses.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Joint Pain<\/h3>\n

Another common symptom that is associated with Lyme\u2019s is joint pain<\/a>. This pain usually presents in the knees, though it can affect any joint in the body.<\/p>\n

It can start in the early stages, but it can progress and become debilitating in the later stages of the disease, especially if it is left untreated.<\/p>\n

Lyme attacks various parts of the body, including the joints, which is why it often leads to joint pain.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Chills<\/h3>\n

Those who develop a fever with Lyme disease often usually develop chills<\/a>, as well.<\/p>\n

Chills are the body’s way of trying to regulate its temperature, thus it is not uncommon for someone with Lyme disease to experience chills, particularly if the condition is accompanied by a fever.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Headaches<\/h3>\n

In the early stages of Lyme disease, a patient may experience minor headaches. As the disease progresses, however, headaches<\/a> can become severe and persistent.<\/p>\n

They are often confused with a migraine, as they can be extremely debilitating and cause sensitivity to light, confusion, and irritability.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Nerve Pain<\/h3>\n

In the advanced stages of Lyme disease, a patient may begin to experience nerve pain. As the disease progresses, it attacks more elements of the body, including the nerves<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As a result, people in the later stages of Lyme\u2019s can experience pain in their nerves. This pain is often confused with fibromyalgia and other medical conditions that commonly cause nerve pain.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Dizziness<\/h3>\n

Lyme disease affects all of the organs of the body, including the central nervous system.<\/p>\n

In the beginning stages of the disease, a patient may experience mild dizziness<\/a>, but as it progresses, that dizziness is often severe and confused with vertigo and other afflictions that are known to cause dizziness.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Bone Pain<\/h3>\n

Not only can Lyme disease cause pain in the joints and the nerves, but it can also cause pain in the bones<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Patients in the later stages of the disease often exhibit pain throughout their bones, as the disease progresses and attacks the musculoskeletal system.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Heart Palpitations<\/h3>\n

Known as Lyme carditis, a condition that occurs when Lyme disease progresses and the bacteria<\/a> enter the tissues of the heart, palpitations are not uncommon in people with Lymes.<\/p>\n

Lyme carditis can interrupt the normal flow of electrical signals that are sent from the heart\u2019s upper chambers to its lower chamber, which results in palpitations or an irregular heartbeat.<\/p>\n

This symptom has also been found to be responsible for causing lightheadedness and dizziness in Lyme\u2019s patients.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Sleep Issues<\/h3>\n

People who have Lyme disease often experience sleep disturbances, such as insomnia<\/a> and the inability to fall asleep.<\/p>\n

When a patient experiences insomnia, his or her chronic fatigue, which is also a side effect of Lyme disease, excessive, disruptive tiredness is compounded, making the matter even worse.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Excessive Sweating<\/h3>\n

Yet another symptom of Lyme disease is excessive sweating<\/a>. Patients often experience higher amounts of sweating during their waking hours, but they can also experience them while they are trying to sleep (night sweats.)<\/p>\n

As we have discussed, Lyme disease can impact all parts of the body, including the nervous system, the part of the body that causes sweating.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Short Term Memory Loss<\/h3>\n

Many patients who are infected with Lyme disease often experience short term memory loss<\/a>, particularly those who have advanced stages of the disease.<\/p>\n

The bacteria that cause Lyme attacks all of the major organs of the body, including the brain. The disease can actually lead to inflammation of the brain, which can lead to short term memory loss.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Numbness and Tingling in the Extremities<\/h3>\n

Since Lyme disease can damage the central nervous system<\/a>, it can cause numbness in tingling in the hands and feet.<\/p>\n

This is primarily the result of damage to the peripheral nerves. As the disease advances, patients can start to experience chronic numbness and tingling in their extremities.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. Arthritis<\/h3>\n

Patients who are in the advanced stages of Lyme disease may develop arthritis<\/a>. The longer the disease goes untreated and the more it progresses, the more it attacks the joints.<\/p>\n

The cartilage between the joints that protect them the bones from rubbing together can be worn away, which can lead to arthritis.<\/p>\n

\"\"16. Depression<\/h3>\n

Depression<\/a> is another symptom of Lyme disease, particularly for those who are in the latter stages of the disease. Depression is often the result of having to deal with the other aforementioned effects of Lyme disease, effects that can be challenging for anyone to deal with.<\/p>\n

For example, when a person is excessively tired, experiences a lot of pain, suffers from insomnia and experiences frequent headaches \u2013 all symptoms of Lyme disease \u2013 he or she may start to become depressed, as it can become difficult to manage these side effects and they can eventually take a toll on the individual.<\/p>\n\r\n

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