Lyme Disease Treatments Fort Dodge IA

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

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in Fort Dodge, IA

Does Lyme disease destroy your immune system?

Lyme disease weakens the immune system, making it unable to produce antibodies. There isn’t a way to make your body produce more or better antibodies. However, you can get healthy antibodies from donors.

Can Lyme disease affect behavior?

In severe cases, individuals with late-stage Lyme disease may experience impaired concentration, irritability, memory and sleep disorders, and painful nerve dysfunction.

Is Lyme disease a lifetime disease?

If treated, Lyme disease does not last for years. However, for some people, the after-effects of the disease can linger for months and sometimes even years.

What are the 3 stages of Lyme disease?

Like syphilis, Lyme is classified into 3 stages: localized, disseminated and persistent. The first two stages are part of early infection and the third stage is part of persistent or chronic disease. Stage 3 usually occurs within 12 months of the infection.

What are at least 5 early signs of Lyme disease?

RASH. A small red bump is likely to appear at the sight of any tick bite, and does not necessarily mean you’ve contracted Lyme disease. FATIGUE. HEADACHE. FEVER AND CHILLS. BODY ACHE. SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES.

How do you live with Lyme disease?

Eat a healthy diet and limit your sugar intake. Get plenty of rest. Exercise at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes each day. Reduce stress. Use anti-inflammatory medication when necessary.

What does Lyme disease do to your brain?

Neurological complications most often occur in early disseminated Lyme disease, with numbness, pain, weakness, facial palsy/droop (paralysis of the facial muscles), visual disturbances, and meningitis symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, and severe headache.

Can you recover from Lyme disease on your own?

It’s certainly possible for people to get Lyme disease and to clear the infection on their own, without treatment, said Dr. Kuritzkes. “But it’s better to be treated because some of the complications—like arthritis and myocarditis and damage to the central nervous system—can be very serious,” Dr. Kuritzkes said.

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 late stage Lyme disease?

Stage 3, or late persistent Lyme disease, can develop months or years after infection. If the disease hasn’t been promptly or effectively treated, you may have damage to the joints, nerves, and brain. It is the last and often the most serious stage of the disease.

How do you test for Lyme disease?

A doctor will test your blood for antibodies that are trying to fight the bacteria in your blood. One of these tests is called the ELISA test, and you’ll often have a second test called the Western blot test to confirm you have Lyme disease. To treat Lyme disease, you may need to take antibiotics for up to a month.

Is there a vaccine for Lyme disease?

A vaccine for Lyme disease is not currently available. The only vaccine previously marketed in the United States, LYMERix®, was discontinued by the manufacturer in 2002, citing insufficient consumer demand. Protection provided by this vaccine decreases over time.