Lyme disease is full of surprises, and some of the most intriguing questions go beyond the typical symptoms.
Why do some patients experience optic issues?
Can nosodes, a homeopathic treatment, really help?
And what on earth do chickens have to do with Lyme disease?
These unusual inquiries may seem offbeat, but they offer valuable insights into the complex and often misunderstood nature of Lyme disease.
In this guide, we’ll dive into these unique aspects and explore how they could be connected to Lyme, challenging traditional thinking and opening the door to alternative approaches.
Chapter 1: The Optic Impact by Lyme Disease
- One of the less recognized and unusual manifestations of Lyme disease is optic neuropathy.
- The mechanism by which Lyme disease affects the optic nerve is unknown as there is still scope and ongoing research. It is suggested that it occurs due to inflammatory response or an autoimmune reaction by the body due to the underlying infection. It can occur in due to either cranial nerve involvement
- This is a condition where the optic nerve is damaged or affected resulting in symptoms such as
- Blurred vision
- Eye floaters
- Color distortion
- Optic Swelling
- The diagnosis can be quite challenging. A clinical examination with necessary blood tests, Ophthalmic examination, electric- based tests for optic nerve dysfunction.
- Treatment plan includes Antibiotic Therapy, Corticosteroids and management of ocular dysfunctioning with devices, administration of immunoglobulins, and so on.
- However, it should be done under medical supervision and avoid any self- medication as it might cause permanent damage to the eyes.
Chapter 2: Nosodes in Lyme Disease
- Nosodes are a diluted form of homeopathic medicine that is made from the disease- causing microorganisms and their byproducts, or by affected tissues.
- The mechanism is that this stimulates the body’s immune system to fight infections by introducing the disease in a form of diluted state. These are thought to make the body “learn” and “fight” infections.
- The use of nosodes in treating Lyme disease is quite controversial in nature. This is due to the lack of scientific research and evidence based studies, particularly when compared on the “effectiveness” parameter.
- The benefits that can be considered are:
- Alternative or Holistic Approach: For the patients opting for alternative therapies, nosodes can be a great option.
- Immune Support: Nosodes can aid in boosting the immune response of the body.
- Minimal Side Effects: There are minimal side effects of nosodes, one can consider it a good option to explore under professional guidance.
- The risks related to nosodes are:
Placebo Effect: As there is no proven scientific backing and evidence, their use could lead to placebo effect.
Delayed Treatment: If one would completely rely on nosodes instead of antibiotics, that would lead to delayed or inadequate treatment of Lyme disease. Thereby leading to progression or worsening of the infection.
In conclusion, their use in Lyme disease treatment is fraught with controversy. There is an absolute lack of solid evidence. Thereby patients dealing with Lyme disease should exercise and incorporate nosodes with caution and under medical guidance. Conventional antibiotics continue to be the most reliable treatment option for addressing Lyme disease effectively.
Chapter 3: Chickens and Lyme
- When I am writing about Lyme disease transmission, I am typically considering deer, mice and small primary sources for ticks that spread the bacteria.
- However, recent studies suggest that chickens are also at some instances responsible for the Lyme disease transmission cycle.
- If the chickens are infected by the Borrelia bacteria, and if the ticks on the other hand feed on these infected chickens they become the carriers of the bacteria.
- Now there are two sides of this. On the other hand, few researchers suggest that it is less likely for the chickens to spread the bacteria. While others argue that chickens are a vital part of the ecological web of Lyme disease, it is possible for chickens to transmit the infection.
- Irrespective of above, public health recommendations should consider and take into account the possibility of these new factors and increase the awareness amongst the Lyme populations.
- Let us take a look at the few studies that suggest how chickens transmit the infection:
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- Chickens usually harbor the ticks during their larval and nymph stages of the life cycle of the ticks.
- The chickens are not affected by the bacteria, they act as hosts. They do not develop or get affected by Lyme disease.
- On the other hand, ticks that get infected with the bacteria, remain infectious as they grow into next life stages.
- Concluding, chickens traditionally are not the major hosts in transmitting Lyme disease. As the research is emerging and the studies continue, one will likely get a fuller picture in the near future.
