Treatment Of Lyme Disease

Treatment of Lyme disease is something quite new, as this disorder was first recognized in 1975.  It is an infection caused by a bacterium from the Borrelia family, which is transmitted via bites from ticks.

In order to get this disease, you have to have contact with these arthropods. This disease is more common in the countryside, where there are large fields, forests and meadows. However, this does not mean that all ticks can transmit Lyme disease.

This disease causes serious neurological complications if it is not treated early. In addition, treatment varies based on age and the severity of the condition. In this article we will explain everything you need to know about treating Lyme disease.

What is Lyme Disease?

Before we talk about treating Lyme disease, you will need to know more about this disorder. As we have already mentioned, it is an infection transmitted through the bite of certain ticks.

After the bite, a small bulge appears on the area, which disappears within a few days. Later, a rash appears on the skin, which gradually spreads. This rash does not hurt or itch, but it changes location (doctors call it “erythema migrans”).

Many people also experience general malaise, fever and headaches. The problem is that the complications appear even years after these symptoms disappear.

For example , it is common for patients to experience pain in joints especially in the knees. Likewise, they can lead to meningitis, paralysis in one side of the face or weakening of limbs. In some cases, they suffer from changes in heart rate or impaired memory.

Treatment of Lyme disease

Treatment of Lyme disease should be started early as it is the best way to avoid all the complications which we mentioned above. Since it is a bacterial infection, healthcare professionals prescribe antibiotics.

Both the type of treatment chosen and the outcome of it depend on the severity of the infection and when it was detected. An article in the Colombian Medicine Act  explains this and also confirms that when the disease is advanced, the results are usually not as satisfactory as in mild cases.

Treatment of Lyme disease at an early stage

When the infection is detected early, the treatment can be oral. The most commonly used type of antibiotic is tetracycline, usually it is doxycycline. The dosage prescribed by healthcare professionals is 200 mg per day for between 21 and 30 days.

However, according to a study published in the  Family Medical Journal  , doxycycline can not be used in special situations. For example, in children and pregnant women. In the case of children under the age of nine, experts recommend using another type of antibiotic such as penicillin.

On the other hand, it is best for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding to use amoxicillin or cefuroxime. Recent releases say that treating Lyme disease in less than 21 days is also effective.

Treatment of Lyme disease in more severe cases

When the diagnosis is delayed and the disease is advanced, health professionals choose other drugs. The most widely used in this case is doxycycline. The difference is that the treatment must be intravenous and for a longer period of time, since the infection has set in tissue and has multiplied.

The same is true when complications occur, especially in the central nervous system. As we pointed out above, for example, it can lead to paralysis of the face or meningitis. In this situation, healthcare professionals choose intravenous antibiotics.

The most commonly used drugs for these complications are cephalosporins. Although the prognosis is good, the patient should receive treatment as soon as possible. However, even patients who are treated early may suffer from the symptoms for a while.

Early treatment to reduce complications

In short  , patients with lyme disease should begin treatment early, as there is a high risk of neurological or joint complications. The drugs that health professionals prescribe are antibiotics.

When they detect the infection early and the manifestations are mild, doctors usually prescribe oral doxycycline. In children and pregnant women, however, it is best to choose penicillin such as amoxicillin. Drugs must be given intravenously at advanced stages of this disease.

The most important thing is prevention. One should avoid areas with ticks,  remove them from the house and make reservations on picnics and campsites. Simple precautions reduce the risk of infection.