Lyme Disease – 10 Signs To Watch For
Lyme disease, a bacterial infection, results from the bite of a deer tick carrying the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorferi (BB). Interestingly, this bacteria is related to the spirochete bacterium responsible for syphilis. It’s important to note that infected ticks are commonly found in forested areas.
Ticks transmit bacteria to humans that cause a range of health issues. Early diagnosis of Lyme disease can lead to a complete recovery without any long-term effects. However, if left undiagnosed, this disease can result in severe complications.
Distinctive Skin Rash
One of the most common and distinctive symptoms of Lyme disease is the Erythema migrans (EM) rash. This telltale sign appears in 70% to 80% of infected individuals, typically emerging at the site of the tick bite.
Typically, individuals notice a rash appearing three days to a month after exposure to Lyme disease. This rash often develops in a bull’s-eye pattern and is neither itchy nor painful. As the infection progresses, the mild, warm redness gradually spreads outward. If treatment is not promptly initiated, additional erythema migrans (EM) rashes may appear on different parts of the body.
Persistent Fever and Chills
Many individuals with Lyme disease often experience flu-like symptoms, particularly fever and chills. These effects can be cyclical, causing body temperature to fluctuate. In some instances, fevers can spike up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. When a fever precedes a rash, both doctors and patients may mistakenly attribute the symptoms to the flu, rather than Lyme disease.
Debilitating Fatigue
Individuals suffering from Lyme disease frequently experience unexplained exhaustion and fatigue, even after resting or engaging in activities that would typically provide energy. This can be a key sign to watch for in detecting the illness.
Individuals who experience post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) often suffer from the most severe form of this symptom. Although the bacteria may have exited the body, the lingering effects can persist for several months.
Muscle and Joint Pain
Individuals suffering from Lyme disease often experience mild to severe muscle and joint pain. This migratory symptom tends to appear and disappear seemingly at random, and can manifest in different areas of the body.
Typically, muscle and joint pain improves once a person starts taking antibiotics for Lyme disease. However, in some cases of Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), symptoms may continue even after recovery.
Intense Headaches
Lyme disease often causes severe headaches that worsen over time. If you experience a persistent headache, it could be a classic sign of Lyme disease and should prompt you to seek medical attention.
In the later stages of Lyme disease, patients may experience headaches caused by meningitis, a condition where the protective tissue surrounding the brain becomes swollen and inflamed. These headaches are rare and typically occur when the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease die off.
Facial Palsy or Weakness
Approximately 5-10% of individuals with Lyme disease may experience facial palsy during the course of their infection. Notably, if the paralysis occurs on both sides of the face (bilateral), this further strengthens the likelihood of Lyme disease being the cause.
Lyme disease is one of the few disorders that can cause bilateral facial nerve palsy, resulting in muscle weakness or immobility on both sides of the face. Treatment for facial palsy typically takes about three months for a full recovery. However, in some cases, it may take up to a year or even 18 months for the nerves to fully regenerate.
Irregular Heart Rhythms
If left untreated, Lyme disease can have serious consequences on heart function. The bacteria infiltrate the heart tissues, impairing its electrical capacity, which can result in a heart block and an irregular heartbeat. Stay vigilant for these signs and seek medical attention if you suspect you may be at risk.
Some individuals may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, and palpitations. These can increase in severity and potentially become life-threatening, so it’s crucial to be vigilant for signs of Lyme disease.
Unusual Sensations in the Arms and Legs
Peripheral neuropathy is a potential complication of Lyme disease that disrupts communication between nerves, leading to unusual sensations throughout the body, particularly in the limbs. Those affected may experience sharp, stabbing pains, burning sensations, tingling, or even numbness. As a public health journalist for a medical information and health advice blog, it’s crucial to recognize these symptoms and consult a medical professional if you suspect Lyme disease.
The symptoms of Lyme disease are similar to those of many other illnesses, which is one reason why a definitive diagnosis is often delayed. As a public health journalist, it’s crucial to recognize these signs and seek timely medical advice.
Inflammation in Multiple Areas
Lyme disease can lead to widespread inflammation in the body, resulting in various symptoms. Many of the signs mentioned earlier in this article are, in fact, manifestations of this inflammation.
However, Lyme disease can also cause liver swelling, leading to hepatitis, as well as redness in the eyes and joint inflammation. As a public health journalist, it’s crucial to be aware of these potential signs and seek medical advice if they arise.
Additionally, Lyme disease can sometimes lead to arthritis-like symptoms. Although these symptoms are not typical for the disease, they are not uncommon either. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in significantly reducing the risk of experiencing these symptoms.
Cognitive Difficulties
Individuals suffering from Lyme disease may experience cognitive impairments, which can manifest during the initial phase of infection or even months after contracting the bacteria. This is an important sign to look out for, as early detection can greatly improve treatment outcomes.
Short-term memory issues and difficulty with word retrieval are common signs of Lyme disease. When left untreated, patients may also experience reduced concentration, alertness, and mental processing efficiency. In cases where Lyme disease has long-term effects, cognitive problems tend to be more subtle.
