Lyme disease is a disease that has been extensively studied for the last forty years. It has been established that the causative organisms are bacteria known as spirochetes. Different species have been discovered over time. The symptoms associated with the illness are variable and may include, skin lesions, multiple joint pains, symptoms of heart disease and central nervous system abnormalities. Knowing how to treat Lyme disease is important for Tucson, AZ residents.

The bacteria are transmitted by ticks found on deer in various geographical locations. A bite of the human flesh leads to the release of the bacteria into the blood stream of the affected individual. There is an early phase in which the condition is localised to the affected site and a later phase in which it spreads to other parts of the body as it becomes a systemic illness.

During the first phase, there is flu like illness a few days after being bitten. The second phase follows an incubation period of about two weeks. More advanced conditions may manifest as meningitis, cerebral palsy or arthritis. In the long term, some persons have been found to be extraordinarily anxious and depressed. To diagnose the illness there is need to corroborate the history with the appearance of specific antibodies in the blood.

A special technique, ELISA, is used in the detection of the antibodies. It is important to remember that antibodies may be detected in blood in the absence of an illness. They tend to remain in the blood stream even when the patient has been treated and cured. Interpretation of a positive result should therefore be treated with a lot of caution. The nonspecific nature of the illness is another major challenge as it resembles other diseases.

The mainstay of treatment is by antibiotics. Oral antibiotics are mainly used for early forms of the condition while the intravenous drugs are more effective for the second phase which is more severe. The specific choice of antibiotic that is chosen is mainly dependent on disease severity and the exact part of the body that is affected. Treatment should be started as soon as possible.

The main oral antibiotics that are used are doxycycline, cefuroxime and amoxicillin. In most cases the early symptoms will resolve within a few weeks without any long term consequences. Doxycycline is harmful to growing bone and should therefore be avoided in pregnant women and in children that are less than eight years. The drugs that have been approved for intravenous use are penicillin G and ceftriaxone. No home remedies exist.

Analgesic drugs also have a role to play because of the associated complications. They are particularly useful in managing cases such as arthtris. If the joint swelling is very severe, aspiration of joint fluid may help. It should be pointed out that all treatments should be initiated and monitored by a qualified health professional.

The highest incidence of this illness is found among children aged five to fourteen years and adults aged forty to fifty years. Living in areas infested with the ticks is perhaps the biggest risk factor to contracting the illness. This disease is not contagious and is not cross the placenta.