It is an infectious disease caused by the bite of tick (a small insect). Medical term equivalent for Lyme disease is Borreliosis. This disease was first found in a small town named Old Lyme, in Connecticut, USA and hence the name Lyme disease.
Lyme Disease Causes :
Bacteria by name Borrelia burgdorferi cause Lyme disease. Actually blacklegged tick carries these bacteria and when the tick bites the person, he gets infected by bacteria. Ticks are the carriers of this harmful bacterium and they catch it when it bites mice or any other animal. The main cause for Lyme disease is the bite of tick (blacklegged).
Bacterial infection will not attack you overnight. In the first stage, the tick bites you and injects the bacteria inside your body. At this time, the infection is not spread and you will not have any symptoms. In the second stage of disseminated position, the bacteria begin to spread all through the body. And in the final stage the bacteria would have caused infection in your body.
Who are at risk for getting Lyme disease ?
Those who involve in gardening and outdoor activities can easily catch tick bite. If you have a pet and you frequently fondle it then you are at risk of getting this infection. Roaming around in high grasses can increase the risk for tick-bite. It does not mean that tick bites you once for few seconds and spread the infection. For getting Lyme disease, the tick should be in contact with your body for 24 hours at the minimum. Since ticks are minute creatures, you will not realize that you are carrying it in your legs or hands. Another interesting feature about this disease is not all the people who are bitten by tick will get Lyme disease.
Lyme Disease Symptoms :
Some of the common symptoms are fever, chills, itching heavily throughout the body, headache, body pain and stiff neck. If you observe closely the area of tick-bite there may be small red spot. It is necessary to take immediate treatment by patients who are at risk of Lyme disease. Some people who postpone their visit to doctor, may have weakness of muscles, muscular pain and palpitations. In case of stage 3 infection, the symptoms are very severe like abnormal muscle movement, numbness in joints and problems in speech and vision.
Diagnoses :
Blood test is done for checking antibodies level when suspected with Lyme disease. Elisa test is often done for people who are at risk. Other diagnostic procedures include electrocardiogram, echo test and MRI scan of brain.
Treatment :
It is essential to monitor the person who has been subjected to tick bite. It is wise to take a shot of antibiotic injection to prevent further complication. In case of suspected symptoms, the nurse or medical practitioner will examine the body for finding the tick. Sometimes, the tick will be on the body even for 2 days. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for 2 weeks to complete a course for patients with Lyme disease. You can also take Ibuprofen for relieving joint pain.
Complications :
If left untreated, Lyme disease could bring more complications like numbness, sleeping disorders, memory loss, poor concentration, paralysis of muscles on the face and vision problems.
Pictures of Lyme Disease :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Lyme Disease
Prevention :
You should avoid walking in bushy areas and areas filled with high grasses. Always wear protective shoes when you are roaming in grass or doing gardening.