Lyme Disease Treatments Gulf Shores AL

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

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in Gulf Shores, AL

Can you get Lyme disease twice?

Yes, you can get Lyme disease twice – or more. This is different from being newly infected by other tick-borne illnesses, such as Ehrlichia or Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, which can present with Lyme-like symptoms but are actually caused by different bacteria than the Lyme disease bacteria.

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.

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.

Is Lyme disease serious?

More serious symptoms may develop if Lyme disease is left untreated or is not treated early. These can include: pain and swelling in the joints. nerve problems – such as numbness or pain in your limbs.

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.

Is it hard to diagnose Lyme disease?

Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose because early symptoms of fever, severe fatigue, and achiness are also common in many other illnesses. In addition, diagnostic blood tests are not always dependable, particularly in early disease.

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.

Can Lyme disease be completely cured?

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 last for more than 6 months after they finish treatment. This condition is called ”Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome” (PTLDS).

How does a doctor tell if you have 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.

Can untreated Lyme disease be cured?

Without early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment, Lyme disease can cause many serious long-term health complications. But even people with late-stage Lyme disease can recover fully with the right treatment. It may take longer to get back to normal, and you may need several courses of medication.

Can doxycycline cure late stage Lyme disease?

Although early-stage LD can be successfully treated with doxycycline or amoxicillin, late-stage LD with arthritis and neurological symptoms can be refractory to antibiotic treatment.

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.

Can Lyme cause early death?

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