Lyme disease impacts many individuals each year. However, there is a lot of misinformation out there. If you are diagnosed, suspect you may have it or are seeking diagnosis, it’s critical that you separate fact from fiction.
The primary source for understanding Lyme disease is your healthcare provider. That being said, understanding some key facts can help you navigate the diagnosis and treatment. This article will debunk common Lyme disease misconceptions to put you in control of your health.
Understanding Lyme Disease: Common Signs and Symptoms
Starting with the basics, Lyme disease is an illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterium is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected, black-legged deer tick. Hence, Lyme is often referred to as a “tick-borne illness” or “tick-borne disease.”
Lyme disease is formally known as Lyme borreliosis. The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi has been infecting humans and other animals for thousands of years, but it was only recognized in medical literature in 1975, when experts in Lyme, Connecticut identified it as distinct from juvenile arthritis.
Lyme disease is sometimes referred to as “The Great Mimicker.” That’s because its symptoms often resemble other illnesses’, making it possible for someone unaware that they were bitten by a tick to misattribute Lyme disease symptoms to some other condition.
Lyme’s common symptoms include:
– Rash
– Tiredness
– Headaches
– Joint pain, inflammation, and muscle aches
– Fever and chills
– Neurological symptoms, like facial palsy
– Cognitive impairment or “brain fog”
– Cardiovascular issues (lyme carditis)
Many other health conditions share these symptoms, so, it’s critical to test for Lyme disease to get an accurate diagnosis, and consequently the correct treatment options.
Dispelling Folklore About Lyme Disease: The Truth Vs Myths
If you suspect you might have Lyme disease, understanding the facts can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare. Here are six common misconceptions about Lyme disease:
Misconception: Lyme disease can only be caused by deer ticks
While the primary carriers of the Lyme-causing bacterium in North America are the black-legged deer ticks or Ixodes scapularis scientifically, other tick species are also capable of carrying and transmitting the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. In Europe, for instance, ticks of the Ixodes ricinus species commonly spread Lyme disease.
Regardless of the species, if you have been bitten by any tick, be on the lookout for symptoms and consider getting tested for Lyme disease.
Misconception: The presence of a bullseye rash is always a given
Although the bullseye-shaped or erythema migrans rash is a common sign of Lyme disease and is used by doctors for visual diagnosis, studies indicate that it is only present in 70-80% of cases. Some rashes may resemble simple redness, while in other cases, patients might not notice any rash at all. Hence, the absence of this rash doesn’t necessarily rule out Lyme disease.
Misconception: Lyme disease is only a risk in specific regions
While it’s true that black-legged deer ticks are more common in the North-Eastern and upper-Midwest United States, Lyme disease has been reported all over the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe and Asia. As climates change and the migration patterns of wildlife shift, and as humans travel, the regional risk of Lyme disease is evolving too.
Misconception: You’ll always notice a tick bite
Contrary to common belief, tick bites usually go unnoticed because tick saliva contains a natural numbing agent. Additionally, some ticks are too small to notice. This is why performing “tick checks” after spending time outdoors is very important.
Misconception: A negative test means you don’t have Lyme disease
While testing is an essential step in diagnosing Lyme disease, it is not always definitive. For instance, ELISA tests for Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies and may return false negatives in early stages of the infection.
Misconception: Lyme disease is incurable
Lyme disease is treatable, especially if diagnosed early. Most times, antibiotics can successfully treat Lyme disease. However, if left undiagnosed and untreated, it may progress to a chronic stage, requiring additional therapies to manage symptoms.
The Power of Knowledge: Understand The Truth About Lyme
Lyme disease is often misunderstood by the public. Awarenss and education are thus critical for timely and accurate diagnosis. The best way to take control of your health is to debunk the myths about Lyme disease.
If you are experiencing symptoms similar to those caused by Lyme disease, seek medical attention and the appropriate diagnostic tests as soon as possible. A reliable Lyme disease test will guide your treatment.
