subject: The Symptoms and Stages of Lyme Disease [print this page] The Symptoms and Stages of Lyme Disease The Symptoms and Stages of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease can be described as a bacterial infection that is transmitted by a tick bite. Normally it can be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, if an infection is not treated immediately, or medication does not help, complications or long-term disability can occur. To help you avoid this unwanted condition, it helps a lot to be aware of the stages, from early to chronic Lyme disease symptoms.Early stageThe early stage of Lyme disease lasts the first four weeks after getting bitten by an infected tick. You can tell that you have Lyme disease at this point because of a red circular rash (erythema migrans), also called a bull's eye rash, at the insect bite. It is wise to look for any symptoms after a tick bite because not everyone develops the rash. You may experience flu-like symptoms including headache, muscle ache, fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes. Anytime you know that you've been bitten by a tick, even if you haven't experienced the onset of symptoms, you should see your doctor right away in order to receive treatment and prevent complications.The second phaseWhen Lyme disease is not treated immediately or no symptoms have shown during the early stage, Lyme disease can develop into second stage. This usually shows up 1-4 months subsequent to a tick biting you. Joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, arm and leg numbness, fainting, poor concentration, tiredness, loss of memory and conjunctivitis are all possible symptoms in this stage.Phase 3: Chronic Lyme disease conditionLyme disease can become chronic especially in the elderly or have poor health. This later stage of Lyme disease could occur either because the infection is resistant to medication or the disease was not diagnosed and treated promptly. During this time, symptoms are worse than you may imagine and include:* Arthritis: When Lyme disease progresses to the later stage, arthritis might ensue. Your symptoms will include redness, swelling and painful joints and you will have stiff shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and smaller joints.* During the second stage, you will find your neurological problems may increase. You could experience more severe numbness in your arms, legs and other parts of your body, along with an itch or burn. There may be more headaches, and there could be problems talking, remembering things and feelings of depression, anxiousness and panic. Bell's Palsy, which is facial nerve paralysis, and aseptic meningitis are some neurological signs.* Chronic fatigue, heart inflammation, irregular heartbeat rate, ringing in the ears or tinnitus, hearing loss, visual dysfunction causing blurred vision, shortness of breath, fever, sweats, diarrhea, irritable bowel, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and urinary frequency are all serious symptoms associated with chronic Lyme disease.Studies say that Lyme disease rarely causes death. Lyme disease is not life-threatening, but it's symptoms and complications can be very serious. You need to know the signs that occur in the early stage so you can seek treatment right away and then you can avoid a lifetime of dealing with it.
