Lyme disease is an infectious disease associated with deer or black-legged ticks. It is caused by the bacteria called “Borrelia burgdorferi”, which is transmitted through an infected tick bite. Patients diagnosed with Lyme disease often don’t realize that a tick has bitten them. The disease continues to be one of the common tick borne illnesses in the US. If you need treatment for Lyme disease in Fayetteville, below are some aspects worth knowing, including the symptoms.
Symptoms at a glance
People who live in the woods or frequently go for hikes in wooded areas are at a greater risk of contracting Lyme disease. Symptoms may vary between patients. When a patient is bitten by an infected tick, they may have a circle-like rash at the site, which almost looks like bull’s-eye. Additional symptoms can be unexplained fatigue, swelling and pain in joints and muscles, fever, and headache. Symptoms of Lyme disease may appear weeks or even months later.
How is the diagnosis made?
Lyme disease can be hard to diagnose, especially in people who often don’t have obvious symptoms. If you have a bull’s eye rash, talk to your doctor immediately. Doctors usually recommended a few blood tests like Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot.
What is the treatment for Lyme disease?
As we mentioned, diagnosis is often tricky in some cases. Once Lyme disease has been confirmed, the standard treatment is about using antibiotics, and common drugs used for the disease include Doxycycline, Amoxicillin, and Cefuroxime. Antibiotics must be continued for at least ten days or longer, and it also depends on the patient’s age. Early diagnosis and treatment will matter in preventing complications. The disease can impact the central nervous system in later stages, and the line of treatment usually involves antibiotics administered through IV. If the patient has more complicated symptoms, treatment protocols may include physical therapy and diet changes, while some may need antidepressants and other drugs.
Finding a clinic in Fayetteville
Numerous clinics offer treatment for the disease in Fayetteville. Ensure that you don’t ignore the signs, especially if you have noticed a visibly big rash on a part of your body and have fever. It is completely okay not to have any memory of a tick bite because these are really small ticks. Not all ticks can cause Lyme disease, and at times, pet animals can bring the disease home. Note your symptoms and consult your healthcare provider without delay.
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