Lyme Disease Treatments Asheville NC

Find top doctors who perform Lyme Disease Treatments in Asheville, NC. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in Asheville, NC.

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in Asheville, NC

Can you test for chronic Lyme disease?

Antibody-based tests (ELISA, IFA, Western blot, Immunoblot): These tests detect antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in the blood or spinal fluid. This is the most commonly ordered set of tests for Lyme disease.

Where does Lyme disease come from?

Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. Humans usually get Lyme disease from the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria. Ticks that can carry borrelia bacteria live throughout most of the United States. But Lyme disease is most common in the upper Midwest and the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states.

What does long term Lyme disease look like?

Chronic Lyme disease is an ongoing Borrelia burgdorferi infection that can involve any body system or tissue. The infection produces a wide range of symptoms and signs, which can be debilitating for some patients. Common symptoms include severe fatigue, migratory musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and impaired memory.

What is the death rate for Lyme disease?

Lyme disease was listed as an underlying or multiple cause of death on 114 death records during 1999–2003. Upon review, only 1 record was consistent with clinical manifestations of Lyme disease. This analysis indicates that Lyme disease is rare as a cause of death in the United States.

What are 4 late symptoms of Lyme disease?

Symptoms of late stage Lyme disease Facial palsy, also known as Bell’s palsy – paralysis of one side of the face. Arthritis or joint pain and swelling, especially of large joints (such as the knee) Intermittent tendon, muscle, joint, nerve, or bone pain. Heart palpitations or arrhythmia.

What happens if Lyme disease is not treated?

Lyme disease that goes untreated for many months or years may be harder to treat with antibiotics. Untreated cases can progress to serious, even fatal health conditions, from arthritis and nerve pain to cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or Lyme neuroborreliosis (inflammation of the brain and spine).

Can Lyme cause early death?

Can Lyme disease be fatal? Yes – though Lyme disease deaths are rare, they are possible.

What is an interesting fact about Lyme disease?

Lyme disease has been found on every continent but Antarctica. Typically Lyme disease is transmitted through a bite from an infected tick. These ticks, often the size of a poppy seed, can leave an undetectable bite. Fewer than 50% of people infected get the bull’s eye rash.

Can you get rid of Lyme disease?

Although most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a 2- to 4-week course of oral antibiotics, patients can sometimes have symptoms of pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking that lasts for more than 6 months after they finish treatment. This condition is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).

What type of victim is usually affected by Lyme disease?

Lyme disease can affect people of any age. People who spend time outdoors in activities such as camping, hiking, golfing, or working or playing in grassy and wooded environments are at increased risk of exposure. The chances of being bitten by a deer tick are greater during times of the year when ticks are most active.

Can you see Lyme arthritis in an xray?

Overview. There are no X-ray findings associated with Lyme disease. However, an X-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of chronic Lyme arthritis.

How do you test for Lyme disease years later?

The diagnosis of late-stage Lyme disease can be very difficult, and is usually made by a specialist in infectious diseases. The diagnosis can be confirmed if the affected person has had the characteristic ‘bull’s eye’ rash and has lived or worked in areas where ticks are present, or with a blood test.

Can you heal Lyme without antibiotics?

In some cases, patients prefer chronic lyme treatment without prescription antibiotics. In others, herbal and immune system options are the best options. In some cases, patients prefer chronic lyme treatment without prescription antibiotics.