Illinois Clinicians Demonstrate Gaps In Understanding Of Tick
Carson and colleagues surveyed clinicians between August 2020 and February 2022 and reported their findings in the article Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Illinois medical professionals related to ticks and tick-borne disease. ¹ The respondents included RNs , physicians , and APNs/PAs . The authors found that clinicians were best at identifying Lyme disease. Out of 346 respondents, 80% correctly identified Lyme disease as endemic to Illinois, while 95% were
Help In The Fight Against Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected black-legged tick, commonly known as a deer tick. Preventing tick bites is the best defense against the disease. And now there is good news for those looking for an alternative insect repellant to fight off ticks, says Dr. Omar Abu Saleh, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases physician.Nootkatone, an ingredient found in grapefruits, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an insect repellant.”Nootkatone is a naturally occurring compound. If you think of the special taste and flavor of the grapefruit, it’s basically nootkatone. It has been used widely in the fragrance industry and food industry,” says Dr. Abu Saleh. “It’s rather effective as an insect repellant. It works against ticks. It works against mosquitos, and you can compound it with salves, with lotions, with creams. It can be a more appealing option as an anti-repellant, compared to more conventional options like DEET, for example.”
Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Omar Abu Saleh are in the downloads. Please courtesy, “Omar Abu Saleh, M.B.B.S./Infectious Diseases/Mayo Clinic.”
Symptoms of Lyme diseaseThe signs and symptoms of untreated Lyme disease may vary depending on the stage of the disease. They can include a rash, fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, headache, neck stiffness and swollen lymph nodes.
How Does Envita Offer Holistic Treatments For Lyme Disease
Our expertise in Lyme disease treatment lies in identifying the coinfections and other factors whichcomplicate thistick-borne disease. To address these unique set of factors affecting each individual patient, we usepersonalizedproprietary treatments which combine advanced conventional and natural therapies. Dr. Dino Prato NMDFounder/CEO Envita Medical Centers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends oral or intravenous antibiotics as the standardtreatment for Lyme disease, but antibiotics alone may not be effective for many patients. In our peer-reviewed andpublished article, “ChronicLyme Disease: Persistent Clinical Symptoms Related to Immune Evasion,Antibiotic Resistance and Various DefenseMechanisms of Borrelia burgdorferi,” we explain how the bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi, which causes Lymedisease, is unique in its ability to reduce itsexposure to antibiotics in chronic patients. Due to this elusive feature of the bacteria, treating it with antibioticsalone may not be comprehensive enough to counter Lyme disease.
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What Do You Do If Theres A Tick Under Your Skin
Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to remove it as soon as possible. Pull upward with steady pressure. If parts of the tick are still in your skin, try to get those with the tweezers, too. After everything is out, clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
You probably wonât get infected if you remove the tick within 36 to 48 hours.
How do you throw away a tick?
Put it in soapy water or alcohol, stick it to a piece of tape, or flush it down the toilet.
Can Lyme Disease Completely Be Cured
Taking oral antibiotics typically cures Lyme disease after two to four weeks. You may need to get antibiotics through the vein for four more weeks. However, theres no reason to think that Lyme disease stays in you forever after treatment.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If youre going to spend time in an area that might have ticks, take measures to avoid being bitten. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants to make it harder for ticks to bite. If you feel sick after being in an area that probably has ticks, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. If your provider prescribes antibiotics, make sure you take all of them as instructed.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/16/2022.
References
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Envita’s Pathodna Test To Overcome Challenges In Diagnosis
At Envita, we use the PathoDNA, aNext Generation DNA Sequencing test for Lyme disease and other tick-borne pathogens. This proprietary test isClinical Laboratory Improvement and Amendments – validated and designed to detect and diagnose Lyme disease andassociated coinfections, which may remain undetected in standard healthcare blood tests.
What Is A Lyme
A LLMD is a physician whose experience with Lyme disease patients makes them familiar with the vast range of symptoms, co-infections, and complications associated with the disease at various stages. Because of this knowledge and expertise, many patients also find LLMDs more open-minded and understanding of their experiences, especially if theyre having a hard time getting an accurate diagnosis from another physician.
But how do you know if you need to see a LLMD? Below are some common reasons, any or all of which may apply to you.
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New Cause For Lyme Disease Complicates Already Murky Diagnosis
Scientists claim a novel bacterium causes some different symptoms, adding to the body of research showing the complexity of the disease
Tick-borne Lyme disease in the U.S. has long been thought to be caused by a single microbe, a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. Last week this notion was challenged when a team led by scientists at the Mayo Clinic discovered that Lyme could be caused, albeit rarely, by a different bacterial species that may incite more serious symptoms ranging from vomiting to neurological issues. Scientists working in the contentious field of Lyme disagree, however, as to what this information means for public health and if these findings are truly the first of their kind. For years, they say, research has pointed to the notion that the spirochete that causes Lyme disease in the U.S. is more heterogeneous than many have acknowledged.
Clark, for one, is troubled that the new paper did not mention any of these previous findings. I find it unprofessional, and unethical, to not give proper scientific credit to these other researchers, he says.
Difference Between Chronic Lyme Disease And Post
Lyme disease is not only challenging to diagnose, but despite diagnosis, effective treatment may be difficult ifhealthcare providers do not tackle the infectious load often accompanying the disease. We have published extensivelyabout “Chronic Lyme DiseaseComplex and Its Commonly Undiagnosed Primary and Secondary Co-infections,” to help patients receive a properdiagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
However, Chronic Lyme Disease Complex is different from Post-Lyme DiseaseSyndrome , also called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome . The CDC defines PTLDS as symptoms ofpain, fatigue, ordifficulty thinking that lasts for more than 6 months after treatment completion. In our clinical opinion, thesedebilitating symptoms are experienced by patients whose Chronic Lyme Disease coinfections are left untreated, due tothelack of proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Causes And Symptoms Of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which generally gets transmitted through a tickbite. It isone of the most prevalent tick-transmitted infections in the United States.
When a deer tick, carrying the bacterial infection, bites a human, it can transmit this infectious disease,along with avariety of other disease-causing pathogens, such as viruses and other microorganisms. In certain instances,patients maynotice a red Bulls eye rash called Erythema Migrans, a few days after the infected tick bites them. Apartfrom thisrash, some of the early symptoms of Lyme disease may include:
- Headache
- Exhaustion
- Musculoskeletal Pain
In such cases of early Lyme disease, the IDSA guidelines recommend an oral course of antibiotics for 10 to 14 days,and 14 to 21 days antibiotic treatment for chronicsymptoms of neurologic Lyme.
While standard oral antibiotic treatment may be enough for early-stage Lyme disease, in our clinical experience,antibiotics alone cannot effectively treat the chronic neurological and psychological symptoms, which often manifestinthe later stage of the disease.
Conditions We Treat At Envita Medical Centers
At Envita Medical Centers, an Integrative Center of Excellence for Lyme Disease Treatment and Precision Oncology, wedive deep into the root causes of each patients disease, to treat them holistically and help them progress towards asuccessful recovery. We go beyond the scope of standard of care provided at specialty healthcare hospitals, byutilizingour proprietary world-class diagnostics and powerful combination treatments.
In our clinical experience of over 20 years, combination treatments including the latest in conventional andresearch-based natural medicines, help potentiate higher response rates in patients. These combination treatments arepersonalized to attack the disease at its core, while rebuilding the patients immune system, giving our patients agreater chance at treatment success.
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Do I Need To See An Infectious Disease Specialist To Get Tested For Lyme Disease
No, you do not need to see an infectious disease specialist.
As noted above, any type of physician should be able to order the correct diagnostic tests, interpret your test results, and provide antibiotics to treat Lyme disease. This is especially true the earlier the disease is caught.
In fact, American Lyme Disease Foundation points out that waiting for an appointment with an infectious disease or other type of specialist can actually delay your diagnosis and treatment. If you were bitten by a tick, notice symptoms of Lyme disease, or believe youre at risk for Lyme or another tick-borne disease, its important that you make an appointment with a doctor immediately even if its your primary care physician.
That said, there are plenty of reasons why you may want to consult with, or get a second opinion from, someone with specific experience with Lyme disease. In other words, you may want to make an appointment with a Lyme-literate doctor . Read on to learn more.
Doctors Debate Patients Suffer: The Fight Over Chronic Lyme Disease In Wisconsin
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- Coburn Dukehart, Wisconsin Watch
- Coburn Dukehart, Wisconsin Watch
- Coburn Dukehart, Wisconsin Watch
If life had gone as planned, Maria Alice Lima Freitas would be in medical school, inspired by the career of her father, a surgeon who practiced in Brazil. But instead of changing careers, the 49-year-old therapist retired from UW-Madison.
Freitas says her undiagnosed Lyme disease has sapped her energy, fogged her thinking and caused pain in her neck, shoulders, hands and right knee. She has three times deferred her entrance into medical school while struggling with myriad symptoms that she attributes to Lyme.
Most of her doctors say she is mistaken, and that her symptoms, which began in 2015, are due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Freitas is among thousands of Wisconsinites who say they are suffering from a chronic or long-term version of the disease. The infection comes from tiny ticks primarily found in the northeastern United States, including in Wisconsin which is a hot spot for Lyme, ranking No. 5 among states for Lyme cases in 2019.
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Ongoing Symptoms Of Lyme Disease
A few people who are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease continue to have symptoms, like tiredness, aches and loss of energy, that can last for years.
These symptoms are often compared to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Its not clear why this happens to some people and not others. This means theres also no agreed treatment.
Speak to a doctor if your symptoms come back, or do not improve, after treatment with antibiotics.
The doctor may be able to offer you further support if needed, such as:
- referral for a care needs assessment
- telling your employer, school or higher education institution that you require a gradual return to activities
- communicating with children and families social care
Page last reviewed: 05 July 2021 Next review due: 05 July 2024
Powerful Combination Treatments Developed By Lyme Literate Doctors
Our treatment regimens combine the best of conventional and natural therapies, which are personalized to tackle eachpatients unique set of Lyme disease coinfections. We may use a combination of our proprietary treatments, like IRAD, advanced immunotherapy, and next-level detoxing, depending on each patientsinfectious load.
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Biotoxin Illness: Symptoms Causes And Healing Protocol
Are you dealing with fatigue, headaches, brain fog, digestion trouble, congestion, or other chronic, unexplained symptoms? You may be dealing with biotoxin illness.
Biotoxins are hazardous organic substances that can cause significant damage to your health. Examples of biotoxins include mold and fungi, bacteria, volatile organic compounds , endotoxins and actinomycetes.
Most people are exposed to biotoxins through living in water damaged buildings. Other ways to come into contact with biotoxins include ingesting contaminated food or water, inhaling airborne biotoxins, and tick or spider bites.
In this article, you will learn what biotoxin illness is. You will understand its symptoms and major causes. I will introduce my 5-Phase Healing Protocol to help you repair your body from biotoxin illness and regain your health and well-being.
What More Do Researchers Need To Know
CDC, Mayo Clinic, and the Minnesota Department of Health continue to test blood samples from patients suspected of tickborne illness, like Lyme disease, to learn more about tickborne bacteria that may cause human illness.
In addition, biologists continue to collect and test ticks throughout the United States to determine the range of the ticks that are infected with these bacteria.
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Customized Medications For A Comprehensive Treatment Plan
In our clinical experience, commercially available drugs in their standard form cannot treat all the key targetsunraveled via our proprietary testing, which is why we develop customized medications to comprehensively treat each ofour patients. Most other standard healthcare centers and hospitals are compelled to depend on pharmaceutical companiesthat mass-produce drugs without the ability or willingness to customize and change compounds to suit each individualpatient. However, we at Envita are not limited by this factor, as we bring the future of personalized medicines to youvia our in-house pharmacy.
Our specially trained pharmacists compound adjuvants, suitable for each patient, with the highest quality and safetystandards. These adjuvants function more than basic supplements because they help in attacking the disease, as well asrebuilding patients immune systems.
What Kind Of Doctor Tests For Lyme Disease
In fact, any kind of doctor can test you for Lyme disease. However, that doesnt mean its a good idea to have your dermatologist or podiatrist order the diagnostic tests. Many people simply see their family physician or primary care doctor to get diagnosed and treated for Lyme.
There are also doctors who specialize in Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, called Lyme-literate doctors, who you may want to consult instead more on that a little later in this article.
Finally, there are other types of specialists you may or may not need to consult with depending on the duration and severity of your symptoms.
For example, many patients wonder if they need to see an infectious disease specialist.
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Stage : Late Disseminated Lyme Disease
Late disseminated Lyme disease occurs when the infection hasnt been treated in stages 1 and 2. Stage 3 can occur months or years after the tick bite.
This stage is characterized by:
- arthritis of one or more large joints
- brain disorders, such as encephalopathy, which can cause short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mental fogginess, problems with following conversations, and sleep disturbance
- numbness in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- park or wildlife management
The majority of tick bites happen in the summer when ticks are the most active and people spend more time outside. However, its also possible to get Lyme disease from tick bites in early fall, and even in late winter if the weather is unseasonably warm.
Lyme disease prevention mostly involves decreasing your risk of experiencing a tick bite.
Take the following steps to prevent tick bites:
Contact a doctor if and whenever a tick bites you or your loved ones.
Whats The Best Way To Prevent A Tick Bite
Ticks cant fly or jump. But they live in shrubs and bushes and can grab onto you when you pass by. To avoid getting bitten:
- Wear pants and socks in areas with lots of trees and when you touch fallen leaves.
- Wear a tick repellent on your skin and clothing that has DEET, lemon oil, or eucalyptus.
- For even more protection, use the chemical permethrin on clothing and camping gear.
- Shower within 2 hours after coming inside. Look for ticks on your skin, and wash ticks out of your hair.
- Put your clothing and any exposed gear into a hot dryer to kill whatever pests might be on them.
How do you know if youve been bitten?
Since ticks are so small, youve got to have pretty good eyes to see them.
If you have a small, red bump on your skin that looks like a mosquito bite, it could be a tick bite. If it goes away in a few days, itâs not a problem. Remember, a tick bite doesnât necessarily mean you have Lyme disease.
If you notice a rash in the shape of a bulls-eye, you might have a tick bite. Talk to your doctor about treatment.
If you have an allergic reaction to ticks, youll notice a bite right away.
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Lifestyle And Home Remedies
If you find a tick on your body, follow these steps to remove it:
- Gloves. If you have them, wear medical gloves or similar gloves to protect your hands.
- Tweezers. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick firmly near its mouth and as close to your skin as possible.
- Removal. Steadily and slowly pull the tick’s body away from your skin without jerking or twisting it. If parts of the mouth remain, remove them with clean tweezers.
- Disposal. Kill the tick by putting it in alcohol. To avoid exposure to possible bacteria, don’t crush the tick. The dead tick can be flushed down a drain or toilet. Or it can be lightly wrapped in tape and thrown in the trash, or placed in a sealed bag and stored in a freezer.
- Storage. A tick can be evaluated later if you think you have a tick-borne disease. Put the tick in a container, label it with the date and place it in the freezer.
- Cleanup. After removing the tick, first use soap and water to wash your hands and the site of the tick bite. Then clean the site and your hands with rubbing alcohol.
Don’t put petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, rubbing alcohol or a hot match on to the tick.