While it is true that Lyme disease is not as prevalent in the Greenville area as it is in some other parts of the United States, it can be just as devastating for those afflicted with it. Knowing the cause and symptoms of Lyme disease is an important part of fast diagnosis and treatment which can lower the risk for it developing into Chronic Lyme disease.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) spread to humans from the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. Deer ticks are tiny, nymphs being as small as a poppy seed can bite you without you ever knowing it. The symptoms of Lyme are similar to the flu, making diagnosis difficult if you are not part of the 70-80% with a “bulls-eye” rash. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain and joint pain.
Chronic Lyme disease in Greenville
The CDC calls it Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), but most of the population just refers to it as Chronic Lyme. The cause of Chronic Lyme disease is not fully known, but most experts think the months-long symptoms occur from residual infection damage to tissues and the immune system. The symptoms can be moderate to severe, can last for more than 6 months and in some instances can be debilitating. Symptoms of Chronic Lyme can include severe headaches, arthritis, Bell’s palsy, tendon, muscle, joint and bone pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, nerve pain, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, short-term memory problems, and in rare cases an irregular heartbeat.
Chronic Lyme will pass with time. There is no cure and no specific treatment. It is recommended you work with your doctor to manage the symptoms as best you can while you wait for it to pass.
Lyme disease prevention is always the best medicine. Avoiding ticks and tick bites is the best method. With Mosquito Squad of Greenville, you can lower the tick population in your yard by 85-90%. Call today. (864) 362-2013