Details about Lyme disease became a matter of curiosity after the famous model Bella Hadid shared. Lyme disease affects the joints, skin, heart and nervous system. Here are the ones who are curious about the Lyme disease that Bella Hadid caught…
WHAT IS LYME DISEASE?
Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease caused by a bacterium called a spirochete. In the United States, the bacterium’s real name is Borrelia burgdorferi. In Europe, the bacteria Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii also cause Lyme disease. Lyme disease is not contagious from one affected person to another. Lyme disease can cause abnormalities in the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LYME DISEASE?
The symptoms of Lyme disease can be understood by observing the symptoms that occur with the stages of the disease. Lyme disease has 3 stages. These:
Lyme Disease Stage 1: The disease has not yet spread to the body.
Lyme Disease Stage 2: The disease has begun to spread throughout the body.
Lyme Disease Stage 3: The disease has spread throughout the body.
Symptoms of stage 1 Lyme disease appear days or weeks after contracting the bacteria. Lyme disease symptoms are very similar to those of the common cold:
– chilly tremor
– Fire
– General malaise
– Headache
– Pain in the joints
– muscle pain
– Hardened neck
In addition, a flat or slightly swollen redness can be seen in the area of the tick bite. In the center of this region is a clean area. This redness is called erythema migrans and lasts for at least 4 weeks if left untreated.
In Lyme disease, the symptoms may come and go, but if the disease is not treated, it can spread to the brain, heart and joints.
Symptoms of stage 2 Lyme disease may appear several weeks or months after the tick bite. These symptoms are:
– Numbness and pain in the area of redness
– Paralysis or weakness in facial muscles
– heart palpitations
– Pain in the chest area
– shortness of breath
Symptoms of stage 3 Lyme disease may appear months or years after infection. The most important symptoms are muscle and joint pain. Other symptoms are:
– Abnormalities in muscle movements
– swelling in the joints
– Weakening in the muscles
– Numbness and tingling
– Speech, thinking and memory problems
– sleep disorders
– visual disturbances
HOW IS LYME DISEASE DIAGNOSED?
Doctors diagnose it based on symptoms and tick exposure. Two-stage blood tests are useful when used correctly. But the accuracy of the test depends on when you were infected. During the first few weeks of infection, the test may be negative as it takes several weeks for the antibody to develop. Tests are not recommended for patients without Lyme disease symptoms.
The European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) required the presence of the following three criteria in 2010 for the diagnosis of Lyme disease:
– Presence of neuroborreliosis and appropriate neurological findings,
– Presence of Borrelia burgdorferi specific antibodies synthesized in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF),
– Presence of cells in CSF.
IS THERE A TREATMENT FOR LYME DISEASE THAT BELLA HADID CAUSES?
Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. The types of antibiotics to be used and the duration of taking these antibiotics may vary according to the symptoms and stages of the disease. During the antibiotic treatment phase, the patient should be in constant contact with his doctor.
LYME DISEASE EARLY TREATMENT STAGE
The early treatment phase of Lyme disease is crucial and symptoms usually go away within 3 weeks. After early antibiotic treatment, the healing process begins quickly.
If the disease is not diagnosed early, more symptoms will occur and the recovery process will take much longer.
LYME DISEASE ADVANCED TREATMENT STAGE
If the disease gets worse, the following treatment options are also evaluated by the doctor.
NONSTEROIDIC ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LYME DISEASE
These drugs are often used to relieve joint pain in advanced Lyme disease.
ANTIBIOTICS TO TREAT LYME DISEASE
These are used to treat joint pain and inflammation that have become chronic. But if the joints have been damaged too much, recovery may take too long or antibiotics may not completely relieve symptoms.
LONG-TERM ANTIBIOTICS
They are commonly used for nervous system problems such as numbness and tingling, or for conditions such as meningitis.
ANTIBIOTICS AND OTHER TREATMENTS
They are used for heart problems such as stiff and irregular heartbeats and pericardial inflammation that can occur in stage 3 Lyme disease. But these problems are very rare. Heart problems go away on their own without getting too severe with the antibiotics used in the previous stages.