Lyme Disease

What Is Lyme Disease? Causes, Risks, and Why Early Detection Matters

Lyme disease happens when a deer tick, also called a black-legged tick, bites and spreads bacteria. It can affect people of all ages and is most common in wooded or grassy areas. If untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious health problems affecting the joints, heart and nervous system. This guide will cover causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and when to seek care for Lyme disease.

Causes of Lyme Disease: How Tick Bites Transmit Infection

What Causes Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease comes from bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks become infected after feeding on animals carrying the bacteria, such as deer or rodents. People are at higher risk if they:

Causes

• Spend time in areas where ticks live, like forests or fields.
• Wear clothing that leaves skin exposed.
• Do not check for ticks after outdoor activities. Preventive measures include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants and checking for ticks after being outdoors.
  
  

Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease: What to Watch for at Each Stage

Lyme disease symptoms often appear in stages:

Symptoms

• Early signs (3-30 days after a tick bite): Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and a bull’s-eye rash called erythema migrans.
• Later signs (weeks to months after a tick bite): Severe headaches, joint pain, irregular heartbeat, nerve pain and facial palsy.
  
  

If untreated, symptoms can worsen and become chronic.

How Lyme Disease Is Diagnosed: Exams, Blood Tests, and When to Get Checked

Diagnosing Lyme disease typically involves:

• A physical exam to check for rashes or tick bites.
• Blood tests to detect antibodies against the bacteria.
• Specialized lab tests if symptoms persist or are severe.

Lyme Disease Treatments: Antibiotics, Supportive Care, and When to See a Doctor

Treatments:
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Lyme disease is usually treated with antibiotics. Early treatment leads to the best outcomes:

• Oral antibiotics: For most cases, a course of doxycycline or amoxicillin is effective.
• IV antibiotics: For severe or late-stage cases affecting the heart or nervous system.
• Supportive care: May include pain relief or physical therapy for joint symptoms.
  
  

When to Seek Care

You should contact a health care provider if:

• You find a tick on your body and develop symptoms like fever or rash.
• You experience persistent or worsening symptoms after a tick bite.
• You have been in areas where Lyme disease is common and feel unwell.

If you think you may have Lyme disease or have been bitten by a tick, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider right away.

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