Most people who are infected with the tick-borne illness make a full recovery after treatment with antibiotics.
This article discusses how early detection is the best way to ensure a full recovery.
It also details treatment options, potential long-term complications of Lyme disease, and how to prevent this infection.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Lyme disease that progresses to stage 3 is more difficult to treat and can lead to long-term complications.
Such medications include:
Doxycycline and Young Children
Doxycycline is usually the first-line treatment for Lyme disease.
Treatment for stage 1 Lyme disease may be prescribed based on symptoms.
In the early stages, the most common symptom is a bullseye rash.
In some cases, you may be prescribed antibiotics immediately.
If the Lyme disease bacterium is detected in the tick, your healthcare provider may start you on antibiotics.
Even if test results show a tick is infected with LymeB.
The nervous and cardiovascular systems may be impacted at this point.
A more aggressive antibiotic treatment is recommended for those with stage 2 Lyme disease.
Treatment for more severe Lyme disease typically requires intravenous (IV) antibiotics for 14 to 21 days.
In addition, you may receive treatment to manage or eradicate neurological symptoms brought on by Lyme disease.
These include:
If you experience these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Vision problems are not uncommon, for instance, among people with stage 3 Lyme disease.
Lyme disease affects how the brain and eyes work together.
Some people require rehabilitation to help them process visual images or enable them to managedepth perceptionproblems.
Experts are uncertain why some people develop PTLDS and others dont.
One theory is theB.burgdorferibacteria responsible for Lyme diseases may trigger an autoimmune response.
Another possibility is the symptoms are not due to Lyme disease but a different, difficult-to-detect infection.
There is no proven treatment for PTLDS.
Lyme Carditis
Lyme carditis is a serious complication that develops when bacteria enter the heart tissues.
Bacteria can interfere with electrical signals that control the beating of the heart.
Some people with Lyme carditis may require a temporarypacemaker.
Most people recover fully from Lyme carditis within one to six weeks.
Prevention
Limiting your exposure to ticks is the best prevention of Lyme disease.
Checking for Ticks
After leaving potentially tick-infested areas, check your clothing, gear, and pets.
If you find any ticks, remove them before entering your home.
If you share your home with family members, you might consider enlisting their help.
Common places ticks can hide include:
In addition, take a shower.
Rinsing off within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce the risk of Lyme disease.
Then pull upward with steady, even pressure.
If you have been bitten by a tick, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Additional treatment may be required.
Summary
Lyme disease is not fatal, and most people make a complete recovery after antibiotic treatment.
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