Lyme Disease Support in Johnson City, TN

Overview

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks).

Supportive and adjunctive care alongside conventional medical treatment.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary but may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• A characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans

If left untreated, the infection may occasionally affect the joints, heart, or nervous system.

Diagnosis

Lyme disease is diagnosed based on:

• Symptoms and physical findings (such as the characteristic rash)
• Possible exposure to infected ticks
• Laboratory testing using validated methods (used in combination with clinical evaluation)

Treatment

Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a course of antibiotics under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Prevention

Steps to reduce the risk of Lyme disease include:

• Using insect repellent when in areas where ticks are common
• Promptly removing ticks from the skin
• Applying pesticides where appropriate
• Reducing tick habitats around homes and outdoor areas

Note: Ticks that carry Lyme disease may occasionally transmit other tick-borne illnesses as well. Always consult a healthcare provider for evaluation if you suspect tick exposure or Lyme disease.

Natural and Supportive Approaches Alongside Lyme Disease Treatment

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through infected ticks, is found across the United States and globally. Awareness and early recognition are important because symptoms can vary and sometimes resemble other conditions.

Understanding some of the myths about Lyme disease is an important step toward prevention and timely medical care. Efforts are being made to spread awareness and education about this illness. One of the biggest challenges with Lyme disease is that it can be difficult to get a confirmed diagnosis without a known tick bite or the appearance of the classic “bull’s eye” rash. There are many different skin rashes that are associated with Lyme disease, however, and some are easily mistaken for skin infections or other insect bites.

Symptoms That Can Overlap With Other Conditions

Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty with memory or concentration
• Muscle and joint aches
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeats
• Headaches or migraines
• Sleep disturbances such as insomnia
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, or depression

Note: Not all patients develop the classic “bull’s-eye” rash. Symptoms can appear in different ways and may overlap with other conditions, which is why Lyme disease is sometimes called “the great imitator.”

Supportive and Holistic Approaches

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a physician. At AWAREmed, supportive care is offered alongside this standard treatment, never in place of it. Holistic approaches may complement conventional care by supporting overall wellness. Supportive strategies may include:

• Herbal protocols – Some herbal therapies, including traditional Chinese herbs, may support wellness in consultation with a qualified practitioner.
• Acupuncture – May support circulation and may help with discomfort or pain.
• Nutrition – A balanced, nutrient-rich diet helps maintain overall health and may support the body’s natural defenses.
• Supportive therapies – May help support comfort and the body’s natural detoxification processes during medical treatment of the infection.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

First recognized in 1975 when a group of children living near Lyme, Connecticut became ill with arthritis, Lyme disease has since been reported in nearly all 50 states. Within a few days to several weeks after being bitten by an infected tick, most people (about 70 to 80 percent, according to the CDC) develop a red, expanding rash around the bite. The center of the rash may clear as it grows giving the appearance of a bulls-eye pattern. The rash may feel warm, but it is usually not painful or itchy. Other symptoms in the early stage of Lyme disease may include the following:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Joint pain
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Stiff necks
• Swollen lymph nodes

Later stages of Lyme disease can be serious and may include long-lasting symptoms such as:

• Arthritis in the arms and legs
• Memory loss
• Numbness in hands, arms, legs, and feet

Lyme disease is usually treated with a course of antibiotics; the type and length of the course depend on the stage of the illness and are decided by your physician. Antibiotics are usually taken by mouth, but in severe or advanced cases of Lyme disease, they may be given by injection. Early diagnosis and treatment are important: if treatment is delayed, recovery may take longer and symptoms may last for months or even years. That is why it is important to see a physician promptly. Dr. Dalal Akoury, MD, MPH, and the AWAREmed team offer supportive care alongside the antibiotic treatment prescribed by your physician.

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus ticks. These ticks are primarily found in the northeast, northwest, and upper Midwest of the United States. However, such ticks are also found globally in bushy areas. We can reduce the risk of Lyme disease by staying away from tick-infested areas. If this is not possible for whatever reason, outdoor enthusiasts should wear long pants tucked into their socks and a long-sleeved shirt tucked into their pants. In the event a tick bites you, it should be removed carefully without delay by inserting tweezers between the tick and the skin and lifting gently. In most cases, a tick needs to be attached to the skin for 36 to 48 hours or more to transmit the disease, which is why prompt removal matters.

When neurologic symptoms occur, they are probably triggered by the direct action of the bacterium and an immunologic reaction. Many people who live with lingering Lyme disease symptoms deal with fatigue and pain from day to day. Ordinary tasks can become challenging and stressful, leading some individuals to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, which can be addictive.

Who This May Be Appropriate For

This supportive service may be appropriate for:

• Adults who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease and want supportive care alongside the antibiotic treatment prescribed by their physician
• People with lingering symptoms such as fatigue, joint aches, or sleep changes after Lyme disease treatment who want a physician-led review
• Those looking for a physician-led evaluation of symptoms that may overlap with other conditions, in coordination with their other physicians
• People who want education on nutrition and lifestyle strategies that may support overall wellness
• Adults who want to keep their primary care and specialist physicians informed and involved in their care

A consultation with Dr. Akoury helps decide whether this service is a good fit for you. It is not a substitute for emergency care or for care from your primary care or specialist physicians.

What to Expect at AWAREmed

Your first step is a consultation with Dr. Akoury. She reviews your symptoms, medical history and previous lab work. Based on this review, she may suggest a personalized, supportive plan, which may include nutrition and lifestyle guidance, alongside the antibiotic treatment and care prescribed by your own physicians.

Learn more about Dr. Akoury's background and integrative approach.

Request Your Appointment Today

To request your appointment, please call (423) 430-6170 or contact us online.

See also: Chronic Fatigue and Functional Medicine, or book a consultation.

Related reading: Living with chronic fatigue syndrome: a practical guide

Frequently Asked Questions