Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and rarely, Borrelia mayonii. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.
Furthermore, can Lyme trigger an autoimmune disease?
Studies have documented several cases of Lyme disease that appeared to trigger or mimic autoimmune diseases, including Sjogren’s syndrome, dermatomyocitis (DM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and spondyloarthritis (SpA).
Also question is, does Lyme disease shorten life expectancy?
The researchers concluded, “Only pre-existing comorbidities, and not Lyme disease stage or severity, were predicative of having lower QOL scores and long-term symptoms”. Take away message: In the long run, Lyme does not affect your life as much as other health conditions.
How do you know if you have chronic Lyme disease?
Chronic Lyme disease is an ongoing Borrelia burgdorferi infection that can involve any body system or tissue. The infection produces a wide range of symptoms and signs, which can be debilitating for some patients. Common symptoms include severe fatigue, migratory musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and impaired memory.
How serious is chronic Lyme disease?
Chronic Lyme disease can be linked to deadly symptoms, such as Lyme carditis (inflammation of the heart). According to Lymedisease.org, studies consistently show that chronic Lyme disease patients have poorer quality of life than those with other chronic diseases.
Is chronic Lyme disease an autoimmune disease?
Lyme disease manifests as autoimmune disorder, Sjögren’s syndrome. Lyme disease symptoms can mimic many other illnesses and have been linked to several autoimmune diseases including Sjögren’s syndrome [1], Dermatomyositis [2], and Guillain-Barre syndrome [3].
What are the 3 stages of Lyme disease?
Although Lyme disease is commonly divided into three stages — early localized, early disseminated, and late disseminated — symptoms can overlap. Some people will also present in a later stage of disease without having symptoms of earlier disease.
What celebrities have had Lyme disease?
Which Celebrities Have Lyme Disease and/or Tick-Borne Illness(es)?
- Avril Lavigne. This Canadian pop star’s Lyme Disease diagnosis caused her to retreat from the public eye for several years. …
- Shania Twain. …
- Alec Baldwin. …
- Yolanda Hadid (and Her Kids) …
- Ben Stiller. …
- Daryl Hall. …
- Amy Tan. …
- Rebecca Wells.
What does chronic Lyme feel like?
These symptoms can include fatigue, joint or muscle aches, and cognitive dysfunction. They may last up to six months or longer. These symptoms can interfere with a person’s normal activities and may cause emotional distress as a result. However, most people’s symptoms improve after six months to a year.
What Happens If Lyme disease goes untreated for years?
Untreated Lyme disease can cause: Chronic joint inflammation (Lyme arthritis), particularly of the knee. Neurological symptoms, such as facial palsy and neuropathy. Cognitive defects, such as impaired memory.
Why is Lyme disease controversial?
The disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia, and it is spread by ticks. One of the biggest controversies surrounding Lyme is determining whether or not someone has the so-called persistent or chronic Lyme disease. The CDC and most specialists prefer to use a different term, post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD).