4 Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease for Early Detection and Prevention

The most common symptoms a person suffering from Lyme disease experiences include: a red rash, arthritis, neurological symptoms, and heart problems.

Lyme disease is a tick transmitted disease that carries a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borellia Borgdorferi. It can result in serious complications such infectious arthritis and neurological issues. To prevent further complications and infection you must be able to recognize and know the most common symptoms so you can get immediate treatment.

Red rash

A small red rash is the initial physical indication that many people infected with Lyme disease observe. This red rash is also called erythema migrans and can expand in shape over a period of time. The red rash usually begins at the point of the tick bite and expands in to a larger circular shape and size. Different physical malaise often accompany the visibility of the red rashes. Fever, headache, fatigue, and other physical symptoms that resemble a viral infection are the common ailments that come along with the red rash.

Arthritis

After a period of time being infected with the Lyme disease bacteria, a person will develop swollen joints and arthritis-like pain attacks. The most common area that gets affected with the arthritis pain is the knee-joint area. If untreated, the recurrent joint pain may develop into a chronic arthritis.

Neurological symptoms

Various neurological symptoms can also be experienced and developed over several weeks or months if untreated. Lyme disease causes neurological symptoms, such as headache to more serious case of meningitis. One could also observe poor muscle movement, numbness, and weakness of the limbs. Sometimes the facial muscle can experience temporary paralysis. This is because the bacteria can affect the cranial nerve function, causing an inability to control facial muscles. You could also observe other neurological symptoms such as memory loss, mood changes, changing sleeping habits, and difficulties when concentrating well. These symptoms may last for several weeks or recurrently attack over time.

Heart problems

Lyme disease can also cause various heart problems. Symptoms primarily appear with feelings of dizziness and shortness of breath. This difficulty in breathing may last for a few days or weeks. If Lyme disease is not treated, general heart problems will develop weeks after infection.

Most of the initial symptoms of Lyme disease are similar to those of the most common viral infections. Flu and various body malaise will generally occur. Because of this, it is common for most people to disregard the critical effects a tick bite. Always be watchful of the development of the red rashes and the other common feelings of illness that go along with it. If symptoms persist despite generic treatment, it is always best to visit your doctor for a medical check-up.