What is Lyme disease and how can it be avoided?

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease, also known as borrelia, is an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans through the bites of ticks that have acquired the borrelia burgdorferi bacteria from deer or mice. Not all ticks carry the bacteria, and not everyone who is bitten develops borreliosis. It is also possible to experience irritation and redness after a bite without getting borreliosis. In fact, it has been estimated that approximately 98% of all tick bites are completely harmless and free of infection and disease. 

What are the signs of Lyme disease?

Signs of Lyme disease may include a characteristic red, ring-shaped rash on the skin around the bite, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and fever. Symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease and may also include joint and nerve pain, as well as problems with the heart and central nervous system. 

What is chronic Lyme disease?

Chronic Lyme disease is a condition in which the symptoms of Lyme disease persist for a long time, even after treatment with antibiotics. However, there is some controversy about whether chronic Lyme disease is a real disease state or not, and research is still ongoing in the field.

Can Lyme disease be cured?

Borrelia can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics, especially if detected early. Treatment may include oral antibiotics or intravenous antibiotics, depending on the severity of the disease. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible to avoid complications.

When is borrelia dangerous?

Lyme disease can be dangerous if not treated early. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as meningitis, heart problems, and nerve problems. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of Lyme disease after a tick bite. 

Without treatment, approximately 10% will be affected by the bacteria in the nervous system or joints. This can be treated. If you experience paralysis, nerve pain or other symptoms from the nervous system, you should see a doctor immediately. 

What can be done to avoid Lyme disease?

To avoid Lyme disease, you can take precautions to avoid tick bites, which include avoiding tall grass and bushes, wearing clothing that covers the skin, and using insect repellent on exposed areas of the body. It is also important to check yourself and your family for ticks after outdoor activities and remove ticks promptly with tweezers.

The borrelia bacteria is most often transmitted when the tick is attached for 16 hours or more, but it can also happen after a few hours. Watch for a rash around the site of the bite for a few weeks after the tick bite, this is often the first sign of infection. 

Osteopathy and Lyme disease

Osteopathy cannot be used as a treatment for Lyme disease. However, osteopaths often treat patients who have serious neurological sequelae following Lyme disease.