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Lyme Disease, transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, is a serious condition that requires prompt attention. Recognizing the early signs and understanding the progression of the disease can help in seeking timely medical intervention and reducing complications.
Early Signs of Lyme Disease
Once you've been bitten by a tick, Lyme Disease symptoms can take between a few days to a few weeks to show. However, if you were able to remove the tick within the first day of it biting, the chances of catching Lyme Disease are near zero, as the tick will eat before the bacteria is released. Unfortunately, it can be hard to detect ticks as they're small, and their secretions change your immune reaction so there's no pain or itch at the site of their bite.
If you start showing Lyme Disease symptoms, they may include:
- Redness at the tick site surrounded by another red ring—this is the tell-tale rash of Lyme Disease, often described as a "bull's-eye" rash.
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle soreness
Progression of Lyme Disease
As the bacteria spread throughout your bloodstream, Lyme Disease symptoms may worsen, including:
- Changes in heart rhythm causing dizziness.
- Pain in various body parts that change locations.
- Shooting pain throughout the body.
The infection may spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, causing severe complications such as:
- Meningitis or encephalitis
- Bell's Palsy (loss of control of the muscles in your face)
- Further paralysis, affecting legs, bladder (causing incontinence), etc.
- Worsening shooting pain and numbness.
- Various mental symptoms from decreased cognitive function and memory issues to full psychosis.
- Arthritis, especially in the knees, causing swelling and joint erosion.
- Infection of the eyes
- Severe sleep disorders due to pain and psychosis.
Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
Lyme Borreliosis is difficult to culture in a lab. Although blood might be drawn to check for antibodies, Lyme Disease diagnosis is primarily based on your doctor's judgment of whether you are exhibiting Lyme Disease symptoms. Considerations include:
- Exposure to areas with deer ticks.
- Duration of the tick bite (more than 24 hours increases risk).
Complicating Factors
Lyme Disease symptoms and diagnoses can be complicated by co-infections from the tick. Two common ones are:
- Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA): Affects white blood cells, making you achy, tired, and giving you a headache. It also lowers your white blood cell and platelet counts, weakening your immune system.
- Babesiosis: Can be asymptomatic or cause low to high fever and anemia in severe cases.
Preventing Lyme Disease
Preventing Lyme Disease means preventing tick bites. If you live in or visit areas with forests, open plains, or high deer/mice populations, or engage in outdoor activities in these areas, follow these tips:
- Wear clothes that cover your skin, including a hat, and tuck your pants into your socks.
- Check your clothes, skin, and especially the roots of your hair for ticks.
- Inspect pets who have been outdoors for ticks.
If you find a tick:
- Remove it immediately using a pair of tweezers. Pinch it gently as close to the skin as possible to avoid tearing or bursting it, which could spread bacteria.
- Dispose of the tick without exposing it to skin.
- Treat the wound with an antiseptic.
Natural Support for Lyme Disease
If you are exhibiting Lyme Disease symptoms, see your doctor. When caught early, Lyme Disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Additionally, supporting your immune system can aid in your overall health and recovery process.
Consider MesoSilver from Colloids for Life, a natural supplement known for its immune-boosting properties. MesoSilver helps to strengthen your immune system, providing additional support as your body fights off infections.
