Archana Reddy MD, FACEP, is a practicing emergency physician in the Chicago suburbs. She is also a spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians. Lyme disease cases have been growing in the U.S. for the past few years.
According to a recent study from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are now 260 counties where the number of Lyme disease cases is at least twice as what was expected.
If you're used to spending your time outdoors, especially in wooded areas, you may be at a higher risk of getting bit by the deer tick that carries Lyme disease.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
The early signs and symptoms include a rash that begins as a small, red bump at the site of the tick bite; over the next few days the redness will expand in a rash form. Next, you might experience fever, chills, fatigue, body aches and a headache.
Later, after several weeks and months, you may experience joint pain and neurological problems.
Other less common signs and symptoms are heart problems like an irregular heartbeat, eye inflammation, liver inflammation, and severe fatigue.
These symptoms can last for months, leaving hope for a cure far fetched.
Not only is fighting Lyme disease exhausting, it can also be extremely debilitating. What can you do to help protect yourself?
Listen in as Archana Reddy, MD, FACEP, discusses Lyme disease and how it can severely disrupt your life.
Health Topics A-Z
How Lyme Disease Can Disrupt Your Life
Guest
: Archana Reddy, MD, FACEP
From the Show: The Dr. Leigh Vinocur Show
Summary: Lyme disease cases have been on the rise, especially in the Northeast and upper-Midwest parts of the U.S.
Air Date: 8/7/15
Duration: 10
Host: Leigh Vinocur, MD
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