Lyme Disease Treatments Lafayette LA

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

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in Lafayette, LA

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.

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.

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.

Does Lyme disease cause permanent damage?

Most people with Lyme disease respond well to antibiotics and fully recover. Varying degrees of permanent nervous system damage may develop in people who do not receive treatment in the early stages of illness and who develop late-stage Lyme disease.

Can Lyme disease go away on its own without treatment?

Can Lyme Disease Go Away on Its Own? It is possible a person with Lyme disease can clear the infection on their own, but it’s better to be treated because complications that can arise are very serious. For most people, the disease and its symptoms do not resolve without treatment.

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.

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.

Should I be worried if I have Lyme disease?

Untreated, Lyme disease can spread through the body, affecting the heart, joints and nervous system. As a bacterial infection, Lyme disease is frequently treated with antibiotic medication such as doxycycline or amoxicillin.

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 is the strongest antibiotic for Lyme disease?

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) Ceftriaxone has excellent penetration of the blood-brain barrier and is one of the most effective drugs for Lyme disease.

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.

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.