Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria, borrelia burgdorferi. Deer ticks carry this bacteria, and humans, once bitten by a deer tick, can become infected with this bacteria. If you have been in an area where deer ticks live, it is important that you be able to recognize the chronic symptoms of lyme disease to seek adequate treatment and better understand the progression of the illness.
Rash
Mayo Clinic states that 70-80 percent of infected people will get a rash from lyme disease. This rash, called erythema migrans, occurs at the site of the deer tick bite. The affected area may feel warm to the touch and can expand to other surrounding areas on the body. Bumps that result from a deer tick bite resemble a bulls eye with a small red dot in the middle surrounded by a circle.
Joint Problems
Chronic lyme disease can cause joint problems. Joint pain is very prevalent; some sufferers experience swelling of the joints as well. Knees are often the most common area affected, although other joints can eventually be impacted.
Because lyme disease is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are used as a treatment method. However, not all patients are given antibiotics. According the University of Maryland Medical Center, 60 percent of people not treated with antibiotics can develop arthritis.
Neurological Problems
Chronic, long term exposure to the borrelia burgdorferi bacteria can cause neurological problems. Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, numbness, impaired muscles, lightheadedness or fainting have been reported as moderate neurological symptoms of lyme disease. Severe neurological symptoms include meningitis (inflammation of the brain), Bell's palsy (temporary paralysis of one side of the face) or temporary paralysis in various parts of the body, namely the extremities. Should you experience any of these symptoms after being diagnosed with lyme disease, notify your doctor immediately to prevent long-term neurological damage.
Flu-Like Symptoms
The bacteria that causes lyme disease can affect your immune system, producing flu-like symptoms. You may experience a fever, chills, headaches, body aches, fatigue or weakness. Because these symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, you should monitor the development of these symptoms in conjunction with the symptoms listed above.
Infrequent Symptoms
The following symptoms have been identified by some patients. However, they do not occur in most patients with lyme disease: mood changes, changes in sleep habits, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, eye inflammation or hepatitis.
