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What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that occurs when the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi is transferred to humans by animals or insects. Tick bites are the most common way that people acquire Lyme disease; deer ticks are well-known carriers of B. burgdorferi. It’s estimated that there are more than 300,000 cases of Lyme disease in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Sometimes called Lyme borreliosis, Lyme disease is often characterized by the appearance of erythema migrans, which is a bull’s-eye or target-looking rash. Other symptoms include joint pain, weakness of the limbs, swollen lymph nodes, or flu-like symptoms. Treatment of Lyme disease requires a medical diagnosis, and most cases are treated successfully with antibiotics.
Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the deer tick, is the most common way the disease is transferred. Anyone can contract Lyme disease, but those who live where disease-carrying ticks are prevalent have an increased likelihood of getting Lyme disease. Boys aged 5-9 are most likely to be affected by Lyme disease, as they spend the most time outdoors. The first case of Lyme disease was reported in the state of Connecticut in 1975. The Northeastern corner and upper midwest of the United States have the highest reported rates of Lyme disease.
The ticks that carry Lyme disease also carry anaplasmosis and babesiosis, infectious diseases with similar symptoms of Lyme disease. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis can cause infection and affect the body’s white blood cells. It’s important to take preventative measures when spending time outdoors in tick habitats. Wearing light-colored, long-sleeved shirts with pants that are tucked into socks makes it easier to spot ticks and keeps them from getting into shoes. Using an insect repellent with DEET helps keeps ticks away. If you do find a tick on your skin, use tweezers to remove it as soon as possible.
Stages of Lyme disease
Lyme disease is typically classified as either early or late-stage. Early-stage Lyme disease occurs hours or weeks after an initial tick bite and is when symptoms can start to appear. At this point, the bacterial infection will begin to spread throughout the body. Some people may experience what is called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) months or even years after an initial tick bite. PTLDS can happen when Lyme disease isn’t treated in its earliest stage, and can even occur after someone has received earlier treatment for Lyme disease. With late-stage Lyme disease, the infection spreads throughout the body and can affect the nervous system, joints, or heart.
How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
The presence of any of the following may help lead to a Lyme disease diagnosis: a bull's-eye rash, muscle aches, facial palsy, heart palpitations, joint pain, or other flu-related symptoms.
The diagnosis of Lyme disease can be very difficult. It’s estimated that 30% of people who have the disease don’t show signs of the characteristic rash, known as erythema migrans. This sometimes leads to missed or late diagnoses.
Your general care practitioner may diagnose and treat Lyme disease, or refer you to a rheumatologist, neurologist, pediatrician, or infectious disease specialist. Some doctors may order blood tests to diagnose Lyme disease. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test (ELISA) detects antibodies to B. burgdorferi. The western blot test is sometimes run after a positive ELISA testing to confirm a diagnosis.
A doctor may ask the following questions to help confirm a diagnosis:
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- Have you recently been bitten by a tick or been in wooded/grassy areas?
- How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?
- What have you tried to treat your symptoms with so far?
- Are you currently taking any medications?
Can Lyme disease be cured?
Most cases of Lyme disease are treated successfully with a course of antibiotics. Early-stage Lyme disease is often treated within several weeks. Late-stage and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome can potentially still be treated, though some people experience lasting symptoms.
Lyme disease treatment options?
Healthcare professionals are likely to prescribe oral antibiotics to treat Lyme disease. With cases of late-stage Lyme disease or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, intravenous antibiotics may be a treatment option. Some people may choose natural or home remedies to help manage symptoms. Pain medication may provide symptomatic relief for some people.
Doctors and researchers are always looking for new treatments for Lyme disease. Brandon Jutras, assistant professor of biochemistry at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has recently discovered what may be contributing to Lyme arthritis. This discovery will hopefully provide new treatment options for people.
Additionally, two Lyme disease vaccines that could prevent the disease are in development. The preventative treatment is still being studied in clinical trials, so it could be another three to five years until either one of the vaccines enter the market.
Lyme disease treatment medications
Lyme disease is commonly treated with a course of antibiotics. The type, strength, and the amount of time that antibiotics should be taken varies on a case-by-case basis. A healthcare specialist can determine the proper dosage and form of medication for each patient’s situation.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics work by stopping or killing the growth of the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that causes Lyme disease. The most popular antibiotics used to treat Lyme disease are amoxicillin, doxycycline, cefuroxime axetil, and azithromycin. Full treatment with antibiotics may last for 10 to 21 days.
Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that works by inhibiting the cell wall and directly killing the bacteria. There are multiple brand names of amoxicillin, including Amoxil, Biomox, and Polymox. Amoxicillin is commonly used to treat early manifestations of Lyme disease. Common side effects from this antibiotic include nausea, diarrhea, or a red skin rash.
Doxycycline is an oral antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of the bacteria B. burgdorferi that causes Lyme disease. The brand name version of doxycycline is Vibramycin. Common side effects of this antibiotic include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Cefuroxime axetil is a generic oral antibiotic used to treat and prevent bacterial infections. In the case of Lyme disease, it helps stop the infection from spreading and worsening. Common side effects from this antibiotic include headache, diarrhea, and skin rashes.
Azithromycin is an antibiotic therapy that is taken orally and works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Azithromycin is the generic version of Zithromax, and is recommended when those with Lyme disease are intolerant to the other aforementioned antibiotics. Common side effects from this antibiotic include allergic reactions, chest pains, nausea, upset stomach, and dizziness.
Intravenous antibiotics
Ceftriaxone is an intravenous antibiotic used to treat cases of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. When Lyme disease isn’t treated early on, the infection can spread to the spinal cord and nervous system, and many people experience persistent symptoms. Lyme arthritis can develop and cause joint pain, muscle aches can occur, and mental conditions can develop. Intravenous antibiotics may help with some of these symptoms.
Supplements for Lyme disease
Some people may choose to use natural or home remedies in addition to taking prescribed antibiotics. Natural remedies for Lyme disease include, but are not limited to, taking natural supplements, using essential oils, reducing stress, and living a healthier lifestyle. However, there is no solid evidence for the use of natural remedies. Many of the natural supplements for Lyme disease such as vitamin B-1 and C are not regulated by the FDA. A medical professional can give informed opinions on all Lyme disease treatment options.
What is the best medication for Lyme disease?
Treatments for Lyme disease are not universal. There is no singular treatment that’s best for everyone. The range of symptoms and responses to treatment vary. A doctor can determine the best medication for Lyme disease based on an individual’s symptoms, medical history, and response to treatments. Here’s an overview of popular Lyme disease medications that a doctor may prescribe.
| Best medications for Lyme disease | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Name | Drug Class | Administration Route | Standard Dosage | Side Effects |
| Amoxil, Biomox, Polymox (amoxicillin) | Antibiotic | Oral | 500 mg capsule taken as directed by a doctor | Diarrhea, nausea, or hives |
| Vibramycin (doxycycline) | Antibiotic | Oral | 100 mg taken as directed by a doctor | Diarrhea, headaches, or stomach pain |
| Ceftin (cefuroxime axetil) | Antibiotic | Oral | 500 mg tablet taken as directed by a doctor | Diarrhea, nausea, or hives |
| Zithromax (azithromycin) | Antibiotic | Oral | 500 mg tablet taken as directed by a doctor | Diarrhea, dizziness, or stomach pain |
A doctor determines the best dosage based on medical conditions, response to treatment, age, and weight.
Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
What are some common side effects of Lyme disease medication?
As with any medication, there are always potential side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if your side effects persist or worsen.
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat Lyme disease and may cause allergic reactions that result in hives, difficulty breathing, or dry eyes, throat, and mouth. Some people may experience diarrhea, headaches, or chest pain as well. You should seek immediate medical care if you believe you are experiencing an allergic reaction.
This list of side effects is not comprehensive. Ask a healthcare professional for more details regarding the possible side effects of a particular medication.
What is post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome?
Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) happens when people experience Lyme disease symptoms after being successfully treated. Some people experience symptoms years after having been diagnosed and treated with antibiotics. Muscle aches, fatigue, mental conditions, and joint pain are often associated with PTLDS. Pain relief options for those suffering from post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome have been known to include acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and stress reduction techniques.
How do I treat Lyme disease naturally?
Some people may choose home remedies and natural treatments to help treat Lyme disease. Certain lifestyle changes may help symptoms from worsening or recurring. Many natural supplements are not approved by the FDA. Here are some popular home and natural remedies for Lyme disease:
- Taking a natural supplement Many supplements are thought to have immune-boosting qualities. Top supplements for Lyme disease include vitamin B-1, vitamin C, and chlorella. The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements as drugs to treat Lyme disease, so speak with a doctor about them before starting treatment.
- Using essential oils Some essential oils are known for their antibacterial properties. Oregano and cinnamon bark essential oils are highly antibacterial; they would have to be mixed with a carrier oil and applied topically. However, more evidence is needed on the use of essential oils for Lyme disease in humans.
- Eating an anti-inflammatory diet Lyme disease symptoms are often rooted from inflammation in the body. Avoiding foods that can cause more inflammation, such as sugar, coffee, or processed foods, may help. Fresh fruits and vegetables are believed to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Seeking acupuncture treatmentAcupuncture can potentially relieve symptoms associated with Lyme disease such as pain, sleeplessness, and stress.
- Reducing stressYou can reduce stress by exercising, sleeping more, meditating, or spending time with friends and family.
Frequently asked questions about Lyme disease
What happens if you go untreated for Lyme disease?
Severe manifestations of untreated Lyme disease can potentially cause irreversible damage. People may develop Lyme arthritis, which is chronic inflammation of the joints. They could also develop neuropathy, facial palsy, cognitive defects, or heart rhythm irregularities.
Can Lyme disease kill you?
Fatalities in relation to Lyme disease are very rare. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious harm and long-lasting symptoms. Most cases are successfully treated within several weeks.
How is late-stage Lyme disease treated?
Late-stage Lyme disease where Lyme arthritis and/or neurological symptoms are present are often treated with intravenous antibiotics. Ceftriaxone and cefotaxime are examples of intravenous antibiotics typically given for neurological conditions.
When is it too late to treat Lyme disease?
If Lyme disease isn’t treated in its early stages with some form of antibiotic treatment, chronic Lyme disease may develop. In later stages of Lyme disease, a healthcare provider may choose to try intravenous antibiotics in an attempt to calm symptoms down. Some natural or home remedies may help chronic symptoms of pain.
Can Lyme disease be cured without antibiotics? Can it go away on its own?
There is no solid evidence that Lyme disease can be cured with only natural remedies. Treatment with antibiotics is often necessary to ensure that the symptoms go away entirely or don’t worsen. Lyme disease requires treatment and rarely goes away on its own.