If you’re worried about your child’s health, you should know the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. The disease can present with flu-like symptoms, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. When left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. It’s also possible to have a loss of muscle tone in one or both sides of the face, often called facial palsy or Bell palsy.
What are the three signs of Lyme disease?
If you suspect that your child has Lyme disease, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This illness can affect the nervous system, causing swelling around the spinal cord and brain. Other symptoms include a headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Some children may also experience facial palsy or drooping of the face. Thankfully, the symptoms of Lyme disease are not severe and there are treatments available that will help your child recover.
Early Lyme disease symptoms are flu-like and often cyclical. One of the most common symptoms is fatigue. It’s important to note that this type of fatigue is different than regular tiredness. Instead of being tired, Lyme fatigue can take over the body. One study showed that 84 percent of children with Lyme disease reported feeling fatigued.
Is Lyme disease curable in kids?
It’s important to know the facts about Lyme disease, especially in kids. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, but in most cases the disease is treatable. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent severe health problems later on. If the disease is caught in its early stages, antibiotics may be enough to stop the symptoms. However, some children still suffer from the post-infectious syndrome, which may cause lingering symptoms like fatigue, joint aches, headaches, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms can last for months and are often aggravated by other illnesses or stress.
Treatment for Lyme disease in children is similar to that for adults. However, some treatment regimens can cause side effects, and doxycycline is not appropriate for children under 8 years old. If the infection is severe enough, it may cause vision problems and other serious complications. In such cases, it’s important to consult a pediatrician, who should be familiar with the symptoms and diagnosis of tick bites.
What are the top 3 severe symptoms of Lyme disease?
One of the most common symptoms of Lyme disease is a rash. It begins three to 30 days after the tick bite and persists for up to five weeks. It may appear as a blotch, raised rash, or blister. It should be photographed and seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. The most common joint affected by this rash is the knee. Children with these symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider who is experienced with the treatment of Lyme disease.
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for Lyme disease. Children with persistent symptoms may require a second course of antibiotics or IV antibiotics. Some may also need follow-up appointments with pediatric specialists or consider alternative diagnoses. Although most cases respond well to antibiotics, long-term IV antibiotics have no proven benefit.
How do they test for Lyme disease in kids?
Blood tests are one of the ways doctors diagnose Lyme disease in kids. While the first test is not always accurate, it’s more reliable the longer the infection has been present. If the first test is negative, the doctor may order a second one. If a child tests positive, they’ll be given a course of antibiotics, usually cefuroxime axetil or amoxicillin. They should also get plenty of rest.
There is no vaccine for Lyme disease, but the disease can be prevented by using proper tick prevention. The best way to prevent this disease is to make sure your child has a low risk of being bitten by a deer tick. If you’re worried that your child has been exposed to ticks, take them to a doctor as soon as possible.
