Lyme disease is one of the most widely misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions. Because of this, people often go without necessary treatment or have difficulty accessing treatments that work for their particular needs.
Lyme disease treatments often vary from person to person, and a wide range of factors can impact what treatment may work best for you or your loved one. This can become even more complex If you are suffering from chronic Lyme disease. We’re here to define some of the most common factors that can affect your treatment of Lyme and how to navigate them.
Underlying health issues
As with any other medical condition, your medical history can impact your Lyme journey. While anyone who a tick may have bitten can contract Lyme disease, specific populations may be more likely to experience worsened symptoms.
Immunocompromised patients may have significant difficulty fighting a Lyme infection, even with proper treatment. If you are being treated for other health conditions, your provider will also consider any potential reactions from mixing your current medications with those for Lyme disease.
There is limited research on how your medical history may impact subsequent Lyme infections, but it is an essential factor to be aware of.
Strain of Lyme-causing bacteria
Because Lyme disease is caused by bacteria and is not a virus, antibiotic treatment is typically the first step in treating., especially for early infections. In the United States, Amoxicillin is the most commonly used antibiotic for cases of Lyme caused by B. burgdorferi, the most common Lyme causing strainPeople with Penicillin allergies may also react to Amoxicillin and may need a different antibiotic.
Doxycycline is another common antibiotic in Lyme disease treatments. This antibiotic may be beneficial for neurologic Lyme disease caused by other types of Borrelia, such as Borrelia garinii, which is common in Europe.
Doxycycline can also be used to treat other tick-borne diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Anaplasmosis. This is important to note in cases of a co-infection, where an individual is infected with multiple tick-borne diseases simultaneously.
Affected body systems and symptoms
Outside of antibiotic treatment, Lyme is often treated according to what body systems have been affected and what symptoms someone is experiencing. Typical symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches. In addition to these, people may have symptoms that affect particular body systems.
For example, neurological Lyme disease can lead to sleep disorders, depression, cognitive issues, and communication problems. People experiencing symptoms of neurologic Lyme disease may be given an IV antibiotic as part of their treatment plan, along with lifestyle changes.
Length of illness
Another factor considered when treating Lyme disease is how long a patient has been infected. Length of illness refers to the length of time between symptom onset and treatment of Lyme disease.
About 10% of people who have received antibiotic treatment for Lyme continue to experience chronic symptoms. People with chronic or post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome will need additional treatment.
While treatment for early Lyme disease involves the use of antibiotics, chronic Lyme disease protocol may also include lifestyle and dietary changes and alternative therapies.
Alternative treatment options for Lyme disease may include:
- Supplements like Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin B-complex, and Olive leaf
- Acupuncture
- Mental health care like Cognitive-behavioral therapy or antidepressants
- Photon therapy
- Fibromyalgia medications
- Medications for fatigue
Obstacles in your Lyme treatment
Navigating Lyme disease treatments is not always a straightforward journey, and it’s not uncommon to face obstacles along the way.
These are some potential obstacles that may impact your treatment:
- Getting a proper diagnosis
- Difficulty finding a Lyme-literate doctor
- Allergies to certain antibiotics
- Time and resources to access adequate healthcare
- A late diagnosis
- Complexity of disease and symptoms
- Cognitive impairment
Preventing Lyme disease
The best way to avoid Lyme disease is to take steps to help prevent tick bites. Be sure to practice habits like tying up long hair, tucking in long pant legs, and doing a thorough body check during and after going into common tick habitats.
Sometimes, tick bites are unavoidable. If you or someone you know gets bit, acting as fast as possible is vital. Getting a proper diagnosis and fast treatment can be critical for preventing long-term symptoms and complications.
Testing With IGeneX
Unfortunately, not all Lyme tests are created equal. IGeneX has the most comprehensive and accurate tests available to get the results you need to move forward with a treatment plan that works for you. Speak to your doctor to learn more about using IGeneX to test for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases..
