What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It’s a prevalent vector-borne disease in certain parts of the United States, Europe, and Asia. The primary mode of transmission to humans is through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. Approximately 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with lyme disease each year.
Causes of Lyme disease
Lyme disease is primarily caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which belongs to the spirochete group. These bacteria can enter the human body through the bite of infected ticks, particularly the black-legged tick. Not all ticks carry the bacterium, and transmission usually occurs after the tick has been attached for an extended period, typically more than 24 to 36 hours.
Symptoms of Lyme disease
Lyme disease can manifest in various ways, and the symptoms may vary from person to person. Common early symptoms often include fever, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. One of the most characteristic signs of Lyme disease is erythema migrans, a circular, red rash that resembles a “bull’s-eye.”
As the disease progresses, symptoms can intensify and may include severe headaches, dizziness, facial palsy, heart palpitations, and in some cases, nerve pain or problems with short-term memory. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more severe symptoms affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.
Treatment of Lyme disease
At Cascade Integrative Medicine, our approach to treating Lyme Disease is holistic and patient-centered. We focus on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is the first step in formulating an effective treatment plan. Our experienced doctors employ a combination of clinical evaluation, symptom assessment, and, when needed, laboratory testing to confirm the presence of the Lyme bacterium.
Treatment Modalities
Our treatment strategies integrate various modalities to address the diverse symptoms and stages of Lyme disease. These may include:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the primary treatment for Lyme disease, especially in its early stages. The type, dosage, and duration of antibiotics may vary based on the severity of the infection and individual factors.
- Complementary therapies: Complementary approaches like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary adjustments can play a significant role in supporting the body’s immune system and managing symptoms.
- Pain management: Managing pain and discomfort associated with Lyme disease is a crucial aspect of the treatment. Our doctors may recommend pain relief strategies to improve the quality of life for patients.
- Physical therapy: For patients with joint or muscle involvement, physical therapy can aid in restoring mobility, strength, and flexibility.
Holistic Approach
Lyme disease is unique in that two sets of guidelines exist to inform clinicians about how to proceed: the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) and the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS). At Cascade Integrative Medicine, we align more with ILADS guidelines acknowledging that chronic Lyme disease does exist and that patients need holistic treatment plans to treat the disease on multiple levels in order to restore vitality. We address total microbial load, hormone dysfunction, detoxification, nutrition, sleep, and other aspects of lyme disease to help our patients stimulate their own healing potential. Advanced laboratory testing is generally needed to diagnose and assess lyme disease, nutrient status, and environmental exposure.
This comprehensive approach ensures that patients at Cascade Integrative Medicine receive well-rounded care for Lyme disease, addressing the complexities and challenges that this condition presents.
Follow-up care
After the initial treatment, we emphasize regular follow-up care to monitor progress, manage any persistent symptoms, and make adjustments to the treatment plan as necessary.
This comprehensive approach ensures that patients at Cascade Integrative Medicine receive well-rounded care for Lyme disease, addressing the complexities and challenges that this condition presents.