LYME
DISEASE.
Are we ever going to be free from concerns over catching
a virus? Just as you ask the question, we're reminded of
an old favorite that popped up in the early 90s: Lyme disease. To think, when
we first heard about
this mysterious disease, there were so many unanswered questions. Now, Lyme disease
seems to be as common of a summer health precaution as the flu is in winter.
And just like the flu, we are able to protect ourselves. It is just a matter
of familiarizing ourselves with what Lyme disease is and what precautions need
to be taken to prevent it.
What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is an infection
transmitted by the bite of a deer tick - these ticks live in a warm, humid environment.
The disease is actually
named after Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first diagnosed in 1977. Initially,
it presents as a rash, due to an inflammation of the vessels in the skin. If
untreated, the infection can progress to infect the nervous system, which includes
the brain. Also, if left untreated, the infection can affect the heart, causing
an irregular heartbeat.
What are the symptoms? The symptoms of Lyme disease
can be very vague and mimic other diseases. Most often, it involves a red, flat
rash at the site of a recent
tick bite. It may look like a red bull's-eye surrounded by a target. Many times,
the rash can be quite large and widespread. It may be in one spot, or there may
be many blotches. Studies show that up to 90 percent of infected patients get
this tell-tale rash, which can take up to a week or longer to appear after the
tick bite. This part of the infection is considered to be the early, localized
stage.
If not diagnosed and treated early, other symptoms may develop, including fatigue,
fever, headache, joint pain and general body aches. If untreated, serious late-stage
complications can include heart arrhythmias, confusion and severe, debilitating
arthritis, which can lead to chronic arthritis.
Am I at risk? One of the greatest risks for Lyme disease
is exposure from an infected geographic region of the country. Ticks infected
with Lyme disease are
found primarily in three regions of the country - the Northeast, the Upper Midwest
and the Upper Northwest. More than 80 percent of the diagnosed cases of Lyme
disease originated from these regions.
If you think that you've been bitten by a deer tick, have a rash and have spent
time in any of these regions of the country, be sure to see your doctor for a
blood test. Based on the test results and a complete history of your recent activities,
treatment can be prescribed.
How is it treated? Antibiotics are the standard treatment
for Lyme disease. Recent studies have shown that patients who have a known deer
tick bite from a high-risk
area of the country may be effectively treated with one or two doses of antibiotics.
Patients who are diagnosed with additional symptoms in the later stages of the
disease will receive a longer course of antibiotics, which may consist of two
to three weeks of treatment.
Patients with the most severe symptoms may require hospitalization and IV antibiotics.
Oftentimes, these patients are started on IV therapy in the hospital and then
need to return as an outpatient on a daily basis for continued antibiotic treatment.
What can I do? If you live or vacation in a high-risk
area, take appropriate precautions. Wear light-colored clothing and check yourself
for ticks after spending
time outside. Do a full-body check on yourself and family members before going
to bed every night. Also, consider using an insect repellant with DEET (diethylmetatolumide)
and avoid sitting directly on the ground. You can also help "tick proof" your
yard by keeping it well-groomed and keeping wood piles neatly stacked.
Remember, the symptoms of Lyme disease can be very vague, but the appearance
of a rash after being bitten by an insect can be the tell-tale sign you need,
so be sure to see your doctor.
