Lyme Disease
Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is an infectious condition caused by at least three species of bacteria from the Borrelia genus. It is one of the fastest-growing bacterial infections in the U.S., yet many physicians have limited experience in diagnosing and treating it.
Lyme Disease Symptoms
Lyme disease symptoms are diverse and often mistaken for other chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and dementia, among others. Consulting with a Lyme disease treatment specialist in Chicago can help ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis.
One of the hallmark signs of Lyme disease is a red bull's-eye rash that appears at the site of the bite within days to weeks after exposure. However, not everyone with Lyme disease will develop a rash. Symptoms can vary and may come and go, including fever, body aches, fatigue, neck stiffness, jaw discomfort, muscle pain and stiffness, swollen glands, red eyes, memory loss, and even partial facial paralysis.
How Do You Get Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, introducing the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium into the bloodstream. In the U.S., approximately 100 strains of this bacterium exist. Ticks can also carry multiple pathogens, leading to co-infections that further challenge the immune system. For example, studies have shown that 4%–5% of patients with Lyme disease are co-infected with either human anaplasmosis or babesiosis in areas where Lyme disease is common.
How Long Does Lyme Disease Last?
In the early stages of Lyme disease, many cases are treated with a course of antibiotics. However, about 10% of individuals who develop Lyme disease go on to experience Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), or Chronic Lyme Disease. Chronic Lyme disease can persist for months following the initial infection. While the exact cause of PTLDS remains unclear, some studies suggest that an autoimmune response may be responsible for the ongoing symptoms (Source: National Institutes of Health, NIH).
Can Lyme Disease be Cured?
Lyme Disease Treatment Specialist in Minnesota
At Rayma Health, we recognize that Lyme disease symptoms and diagnoses can differ from person to person. Test results can often be inconclusive, as it may take several weeks for antibodies to develop. If someone has recently been bitten by a tick, a blood test might show a negative result even though bacteria are present in the bloodstream.
As functional medicine practitioners with expertise in accurately diagnosing Lyme disease, we use comprehensive testing to help avoid potential misdiagnoses.
Lyme disease treatment through functional medicine takes a holistic, personalized approach by focusing on the root causes of your symptoms and addressing the factors affecting your body’s health.
By partnering with a functional medicine practitioner, you’ll receive customized treatment options, including natural therapies, nutrition, and lifestyle support, designed to effectively treat Lyme disease and improve your overall well-being.