Video

Click here to watch an informative video from Dr. Korn D.D.S. D.O. M.D.(H) on Lyme Disease.

Difficult Diagnosis Contributes to Problems with Lyme Disease

Second only to AIDS, Lyme disease is among the fastest-growing infectious diseases in the United States Ð even though it is widely under-reported. In fact, some estimates suggest the number of Lyme disease cases is up to 15 times higher than what is being reported. This is an extraordinary estimate, especially given the fact that the disease wasn't widely known until an outbreak in Lyme, Connecticut, in 1975.

Why is Lyme Disease So Prevalent Yet So Under-Reported?

Because the tiny ticks, which spread the disease, inject a numbing agent, many people who are bitten don't realize it. Also, although the disease is often associated with locations in the Northeast, cases have been reported in every state.

There is also confusion surrounding the common carriers of Lyme disease. Although deer ticks are often associated with transmittal, lone star ticks, western black-legged ticks, wood ticks (or dog ticks) and other insects can spread it too.

Lyme Disease is Often Misdiagnosed

Often ignored and misunderstood, Lyme disease is a condition that is rarely diagnosed properly.

One reason for the difficulties is that conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, MS, ALS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as more than some 350 different diseases, have symptoms similar to Lyme disease. As a result, misdiagnosis often occurs, and patients receive improper treatment.

Unfortunately, for people infected with Lyme disease, there is no standard test within the medical field that indicates a positive condition. And, while testing is available, it only focuses on markers for early stages of the disease. As well, current tests at most laboratories are based on only one strain of Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacteria that causes Lyme disease), despite the fact that there are more than 300 strains worldwide (100 in North America alone).

As a result of these limitations, patients have a high probability of receiving false negative test results. Furthermore, because most tests measure antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi Ð not the organism itself Ð patients sometimes test positive even if the organism is no longer present.

The difficulty in diagnosing Lyme disease is made even more challenging when you consider the number of possible symptoms, which include the following:

To avoid long-term complications, proper treatment of this tick-borne illness is necessary. When not treated correctly, Lyme disease can lead to a lifetime of debilitation.

Treatment for Lyme Disease

Unfortunately, because Lyme disease is so misunderstood, standard treatment only lasts 4-6 weeks, and more extensive treatment is often viewed as unnecessary. As a result, many insurance companies refuse to cover appropriate antibiotic treatment.

In actuality, months - or even years - of treatment are necessary to eradicate the stubborn Borrelia from your body.

What's more, Lyme disease can be a life-long illness, and any relapses are often not recognized by doctors. This is one reason why it's so important that treatment is directed at more than just the infection. Decreasing inflammation, supporting the immune system, and addressing any hormone deficiencies are also important.

Envita Natural Medical Centers of America works with a number of specialized laboratories that exclusively test for Lyme disease and co-infections of Lyme disease. This specialized testing ensures that you receive the most accurate diagnosis available. Envita also incorporates an integrative approach to therapies from around the world for Lyme disease and its co-infections, providing the best opportunity for healing, optimum health, and improved immune function.

Envita Natural Medical Centers of America is a state-of-the-art clinic that brings together therapies and treatments from all over the world to help improve clinical outcomes for patients. By working with pharmacies, physicians, and hospitals worldwide, Envita's doctors help enhance the quality of life and results for patients.

Learn more today by calling Envita at (866) 830-4576.