Introducing Lyme-Disease

Lyme-Disease is in the news. It’s something that people are paying attention to, and because of that, an incredible amount of information about this illness is appearing in all the media, especially here on the Web. Unfortunately for viewers, a lot of what is written is misleading or wrong.

I have seen some descriptions of Lyme-Disease that list almost every symptom that is possible. The range of therapies includes everything from vitamins to treatments which carry significant risk. Comments about the disease vary from doctors who do not believe that it exists to other physicians who diagnose it in everybody.

In fact, the diagnosis of Lyme-Disease is a difficult one to make with certainty. The symptoms are nonspecific and there is no reliable test of the illness. Furthermore, Lyme-Disease is not just the infection itself. It includes many responses to the initial problem.

Compared To Strep Throat?

Unlike the common throat infection with the Strep (short for Streptococcus) bacteria, one cannot diagnose Lyme-Disease by swabbing an affected area of the body. There is no specific site from which to take a specimen. The antibody test for Lyme is not reliable, whether positive or negative.

When the diagnosis is Strep throat, the treatment almost always consists of a course of penicillin, which is known to cure the infection. Treating Lyme-Disease with Liyme-specific antibiotics does not necessarily eradicate the disease. Antibiotic therapy for Lyme-Disease is reliably effective only if given shortly after the infection is acquired. One must treat based on suspicion, because the diagnosis is uncertain at best.

Like Strep throat, which can progress to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease—Lyme-Disease can lead to chronic complications. These complications make up the Lyme-Disease Syndrome. This syndrome includes neurological, arthritic, muscular, cardiac, and skin problems. Although many other symptoms can appear over time, confusing the diagnostic picture. The Lyme-Disease Syndrome can persist even after the actual initiating infection has been adequately treated.

The Lyme-Disease Syndrome is not the same as an infection with Lyme disease. Just as rheumatic fever is probably an immune response to the initial infection with Group A Streptococcus, a Lyme infection causes the body to react, leading to chronic illness.

Meet The Problem

Lyme begins as an infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is a spirochete. This type of microorganism is transmitted by a tick bite. Its initial symptom is a rash where the bite occurred, called erythema migrans. The rash is circular, expanding, and usually appears red with central clearing. It is common that many people will have no symptoms at this time. Tick bites can be insidious, with the person never knowing of the bite or noticing the rash.

If not treated promptly, the Lyme infection can spread through the blood as quickly as a few days or may take weeks spread after an initial contact. This infection can lead to more appearances of the erythema migrans rash, fever, achiness, fatigue, headache, and chills. Oddly enough, if untreated, these symptoms tend to resolve spontaneously.

Lyme-Disease Syndrome

The late stage of Lyme-Disease can occur months later. This includes arthritic, neurological, and cardiac symptoms. The chronic nature of the problem leads to other symptoms. Many new ailments arise just because one is suffering from a prolonged illness. Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, problems with mental activity, muscle pains, visual disturbances, and depression are part of this Lyme-Disease Syndrome.

At this point, the diagnosis can only be suspected, but not proven with certainty. The patient is suffering not just from the illness, but also from the mind-body’s response to being ill. There is a pattern of illness that must be recognized and addressed.

Perspective on The Diagnosis

In discussing the Lyme Disease Syndrome, several caveats must be kept in mind.

Lyme infection has not been shown to cause a chronic syndrome of symptoms. It is because of this lack of documented proof in a recognized medical journal that most doctors do not believe in this illness. The discussion of the Lyme Disease Syndrome, though referred to in definitive terms, is still only speculative. There is no accepted scientific basis for this diagnosis.

Contrast this to other well-studied diseases. The syndromes of complications of diabetes have been well documented and re-verified. Chronic Lyme Disease is a theory. But it is a good theory with practical implications in terms of relief for people who suffer an illness without a treatment.

When I treat someone for high blood pressure, he will usually feel the same as he did before receiving his medications. I know from good studies in peer reviewed medical journals that this therapy will reduce his risk of future disease. This is good.

When I lower the blood sugar in a diabetic, she will probably feel better. We also believe the published evidence and experience that suggests she will avoid complications of diabetes mellitus. We know with reasonable certainty that her life will have a healthier course than if she was not treated. This is good.

Someone with chronic symptoms who improves with my treatment for Lyme Disease also feels better. However, without the science, I cannot say for certain that he has chronic Lyme Disease. There is no reliable physical finding or laboratory test that empowers me to make this diagnosis. It is an alternative diagnosis.

But when someone has been suffering from debilitating or disabling symptoms, when all tests and examinations have been repeatedly normal, when multiple treatments have failed, something may still be done. I have known many people who have improved on therapy that is not scientifically proven. I think this therapy is treating what I am calling the "Lyme Disease Syndrome." These people are feeling better. Many feel back to normal. This has been true even without a proven name or cause of their disease. Clinical improvement is a wonderful thing. And this approach, which helps people, is also good.

More About Lyme Disease
Co-Morbidities of Lyme Disease
Lyme-Disease Prevention
Lyme-Disease Treatment