Detect Lyme Disease in a Child
Lyme disease is a type of infection caused by a group of bacteria known as borrelia burgdorferi. They are usually found in animals such as dog, mice, or deer. Ticks inhabiting animals infected by these bacteria, feed on their blood, taking along the bacteria inside their system. When ticks attach themselves to human skin and bite it, that’s when they transmit the bacteria that can lead to Lyme disease. Anyone (including children) who are in close contact with pets infested with ticks, are vulnerable to this disease.Some doctors refer to Lyme disease as an imitator since it mimics symptoms of other diseases making it difficult to diagnose. It reacts well with treatment and can easily be prevented. But when left untreated will lead to serious complications including heart problems and damage on the nerves. To know the presence of Lyme disease here are ways on detect its symptoms.
Instructions
Detect Lyme Disease in a Child
1. Check the skin of your child for some rash. Appearance of a circular rash called the erythema migrans is usually the first sign of infection. This rash has a distinctive feature characterized by a solid red circular patch, surrounded by a clear skin, which is then enclosed by a larger red ring. It basically looks like a small dart board with a red bulls-eye on the center. Sometimes it will just appear as an expanding red circular patch. It may be warm to touch and can sometimes be painful or itchy. This rash comes out within 1 to 2 weeks of infection, and may also emerge 30 days after the tick bite. Although this serves as a distinguishable type of rash for Lyme disease, not all infected individuals has it.
2. Observe if your child is experiencing extreme weakness. Fatigue is a typical symptom which can either be mild or severe. The child usually feels worn out and is sleeping significantly more than usual.
3. Ask your child about any existing pain. Headache, joint and muscle pain is common and are usually accompanied by swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms have the possibility to heal on its own. But sometimes, it become severe and may affect different areas of the body. When muscle and joint pain is left untreated for several weeks, it increases and is characterized by a shooting type of pain.
4. Check your child’s temperature. Low-grade fever and chills may occur and is associated with night sweat and a sore throat. The child may also feel nauseated and not interested in eating.
5. Notice if there is any sign of an upset facial nerve. This is usually considered as a serious symptom of Lyme disease. A disturbed facial nerve is characterized by existence of facial paralysis or the child may complain of having a tingling sensation or numbness of the face.
6. Look for some more serious complications such as unusual mood swings, and having problems with visual or auditory functions. The child may have increased sensitivity to light and sounds. This is typical during the neurologic phases of Lyme disease.
7. Try to observe if your child ever experienced frequent fainting spells (syncope) or if headaches is accompanied with neck stiffness. These are complications that may indicate serious problems.
Tags: Lyme disease, your child, Detect Lyme, Detect Lyme Disease, Disease Child