Lyme disease is a dangerous bacterial infection that can cause a variety of symptoms that are frequently confused with other diseases. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment. This article outlines when testing for Lyme disease is appropriate and the importance of doing so early on.
After a Known Tick Bite
The most convincing reason for you to get tested for Lyme disease is when you get bitten by a tick. Not all ticks are carriers of Lyme disease, but if you suspect the tick was attached to your body for more than 24 hours, you should see your doctor and have yourself tested. Even before the symptoms arise, early testing can make it easier to detect the disease when it is not very serious.
Pain and swelling in Joints
Joint pain and swelling are a common symptom of Lyme disease. In many cases, joint pain often occurs without an apparent cause, and Lyme disease could be the cause. This can cause significant joint pain and swelling, especially in the knee, as Lyme disease advances. If you experience such discomfort without a clear cause, especially if it is joined with other symptoms, then it could be a sign of Lyme disease.
Cognitive Issues and Brain Fog
Lyme disease disrupts the nervous system, causing cognitive issues like brain fog and other impairments to memory and focus. If you feel like you are developing some unforeseen changes within your cognitive abilities, especially after being exposed to ticks, get tested for Lyme disease. This could help you avoid future neurological complications.
Fatigue and Weakness
One of the common symptoms associated with Lyme disease, especially at its later stages, is chronic fatigue. If you feel exhausted or weak even though you get enough rest time, you must see your doctor. Fatigue from Lyme can be extreme, so the sooner treatment begins, the sooner you get rid of long-term exhaustion.
Heart Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat
Lyme disease can sometimes lead to Lyme carditis. Suppose the patient is suffering from heart palpitations, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat. In that case, immediate testing should be done to avoid more complications, especially if it shows after tick biting or with other symptoms of Lyme.
Musculoskeletal Pain
Any recurring body aches without an apparent reason can also be a sign of Lyme disease. These aches are often accompanied by joint pain, and one feels tired. So, if you experience all of the above, you should undergo Lyme disease testing, since this is the stage that can prevent the disease from causing further muscle and joint damage.
Sensitivity to Light
In some cases, Lyme disease causes light sensitivity. It becomes difficult for you to tolerate bright environments. When others accompany these symptoms, you can consider consulting a doctor and having yourself tested. This symptom is not as frequent as other symptoms. However, it might be possible that Lyme disease is raging in your nervous system.
Food Sensitivities
Lyme patients may face food sensitivities, and this can be due to immune system dysfunction caused by the infection. You may want to discuss testing for both Lyme disease and food sensitivities if you experience an upsurge of food sensitivities in conjunction with your symptoms of Lyme disease. Both conditions are addressed, and it can make a huge difference in how one feels and deals with life with Lyme disease.
Limb Weakness
As Lyme disease progresses, it may be associated with limb weakness due to nerve damage. This symptom is frightening and can even threaten to disrupt daily life. Should you suffer unexplained limb weakness, especially if you have been exposed to places inhabited by ticks, then you need to seek testing for Lyme disease to rule out the possibility of nerve damage caused by infection.
Conclusion
If untreated, Lyme disease can lead to very serious and chronic health problems. Thus, knowing when to test is critical for timely detection and treatment. If a tick has bitten you or you recently developed symptoms that could be like those listed above or other unusual health problems, discuss testing with your doctor. The early catching of the disease will prevent the Lyme infection from advancing and protect your long-term health.
