What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infection spread to humans through tick bites, caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii. If not treated early, it can lead to serious and long-term health problems. Thankfully, with the right treatment, many patients recover. Healthcare Abroad is here to guide you through the treatment process if you’re seeking quicker and more advanced care outside of Ireland.

Lyme disease was first discovered in the 1970s in Old Lyme, Connecticut, USA. The bacteria causing the disease enter the body through tick bites. Ticks are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas, and they can spread the bacteria when they bite humans.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

In the early stages, symptoms of Lyme disease can feel like the flu and may include:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• A rash (called erythema migraines), which may look like a “bull’s-eye” around the tick bite

If Lyme disease is not treated right away, it can lead to more serious, long-term symptoms. These can include:

• Severe joint pain that moves from one joint to another
• Memory problems and difficulty thinking clearly (brain fog)
• Anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats
• Vision problems or sensitivity to light
• Digestive problems, such as diarrhoea or stomach pain

In some cases, Lyme disease can even affect the nervous system, causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

Chronic Lyme Disease Symptoms

If you think you may have Lyme disease, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible. Blood tests can help diagnose the disease, but in the early stages, the bacteria may not show up right away. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor experienced in Lyme disease who can guide you through testing and diagnosis.

Healthcare Abroad can connect you to Lyme disease specialists across Europe, helping you get the tests and treatment you need faster than you might in Ireland.

Diagnosis and Testing for Lyme Disease

Diagnosing Lyme disease can be complex due to the variety of symptoms and the fact that many patients do not recall being bitten by a tick. The best way to determine if you have Lyme disease is through proper Lyme disease testing.

Blood tests are commonly used, but it’s essential to note that these tests may not be effective during the early stages of infection, as antibodies may not have developed yet.

Patients can consult Lyme disease specialists for advanced testing options. If you suspect a tick bite, it’s crucial to get tested for Lyme disease as soon as possible. Clinics offering Lyme disease testing near you can help identify the infection before it progresses to the chronic stage.

Treatment for Lyme Disease

Acute Lyme Disease Treatment

For patients in the acute stage of Lyme disease, antibiotics are typically the first line of defence. Antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or tetracycline are administered for two to four weeks to prevent the infection from progressing. Early treatment is crucial to prevent long-term complications.

Chronic Lyme Disease Treatment

In cases where Lyme disease has reached a chronic stage, antibiotics alone may no longer be effective. The bacteria can hide inside the cells, making it resistant to most antibiotic treatments. Many chronic Lyme disease specialists recommend a more integrative approach to treatment. One of the most advanced methods is Whole Body Hyperthermia, a process used in leading Lyme disease treatment centres in Germany.

Hyperthermia Treatment for Lyme Disease

Whole Body Hyperthermia is a cutting-edge treatment available in specialised Lyme disease clinics worldwide, with some of the best treatment centres located in Germany. This therapy involves raising the body’s temperature to 41.6°C (106.9°F) to kill the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. The spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi is highly sensitive to heat, and this method has shown success in eradicating the bacteria in chronic Lyme patients.

Patients undergoing hyperthermia treatment are closely monitored, with temperatures gradually increased to target the bacteria without harming the patient. It is often combined with additional therapies, such as high-dose vitamin C infusions, ozone therapy, and detoxification treatments, to help repair the damage caused by the bacteria and the biotoxins it produces.

How Healthcare Abroad Can Help You

If you’re struggling to find quick and effective Lyme disease treatment in Ireland, Healthcare Abroad can help you:

• Quick Access to Care: We’ll help you skip long waiting lists by arranging treatment at advanced Lyme disease clinics in Europe.
• Expert Guidance: Our team works with your GP to gather all the paperwork you need, including referrals and test results.
• Financial Assistance: If you need financial help to cover upfront costs, we can assist you in securing funding through Irish credit unions.
• Personalised Care: We’ll match you with the best Lyme disease specialists and clinics, including those offering advanced treatments like Whole Body Hyperthermia.

With Healthcare Abroad, you can take control of your health and get the Lyme disease treatment you need without waiting months in Ireland.

Helping you Every Step of the Way

Lyme disease can be challenging, but early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference. If you’re experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease, or if you have been diagnosed and need faster or more advanced treatment, Healthcare Abroad is here to guide you every step of the way. From getting tested to arranging travel for advanced treatments abroad, we’re committed to helping you regain your health and quality of life.