Lyme disease in Children | Symptoms

Lyme disease is a kind of infection that is caused by bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi). Sometimes, it can be a serious infection -- even may contribute in causing carditis (one of heart disease types) and lifelong arthritis. And the incidence of this disease is relatively lower among adults than among children. What are symptoms of Lyme disease in children?

You might also like to know more about deer ticks that spread Lyme disease, before continuing!

When it comes to vector-borne disease, Lyme disease is pretty common among kids in the U.S. And fortunately, according to some studies -- the prognosis of kids with this disease is excellent.

History of Lyme disease

The name of ’Lyme’ of this disease is derived from Old Lyme in the U.S (it is the first area where the disease discovered in 1975). As written before, it is caused by bacteria that can be spread by bites from the infected ticks. These ticks can be found not too difficultly in the wooded /grassy areas, particularly in certain regions of the U.S (like coastal regions and Northeast Midwest).

Once you get a bite-tick (especially by an infected tick), you have a chance of having this disease. Antibiotics are common treatment of Lyme disease, particularly for the early stage of the disease.

Some experts believe the use of vaccine in children (particularly for those who are at high risk) may be effective to protect children from this disease, but other experts still believe that the best prevention is by keeping far away from a bite tick.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?

The diagnosis of this disease is not easy, because there are also other health conditions that can generate the same symptoms of Lyme disease. And the right diagnosis is so important, because the wrong diagnosis can affect significantly to the failure rate of the treatment.

To make a diagnosis, doctor usually will ask about the medical history of patient, the symptoms that occur, and perform some tests if necessary. Furthermore, doctor usually also ask the recent activities of patient in order to analyze the chance of exposing with the infected ticks.

Flu-like symptoms (vague symptoms) are one of common causes that can lead to misdiagnosis, because these symptoms also can be generated by other health conditions, like chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some common tests to confirm Lyme disease may include:

1. Blood test. This test is usually purposed to detect the existence of Borrelia burgdorferi! Though it may be the most effective to diagnose Lyme disease, but sometimes it may not be required.
2. Skin biopsy, it is another common test that can help rule out /eliminate other similar health conditions (such as; arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia) in making diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Symptoms of Lyme disease in children

Once again, the symptoms that occur may not be enough to make a diagnosis of Lyme disease. So, don’t jump directly to your conclusion from only the symptoms that you notice.

Circular & expanding red rash is usually the clearest physical symptom. It is also called ‘erythema migrans’.

And according to a list compiled by Charles Ray Jones, MD (Lyme pediatric specialist) -- other common symptoms of Lyme disease in children (young patients) may include:

Additionally, some studies found that the areas of the body’s children where more frequently bitten by ticks are neck and head.

When you should contact/call a doctor?

First, you should clearly understand that Lyme disease is much easier to treat at early stage. Therefore, if you in doubt whether you or your children has Lyme disease -- find a medical help immediately to get clearly diagnosis and the right treatment as soon as possible!

You /your child need to see a doctor immediately if:

1. You are a pregnant woman and you experience some symptoms of Lyme disease.
2. You get an attached tick, particularly if you cannot remove it completely.
3. You experience any symptoms of Lyme disease, and you live in area where Lyme disease is relatively more common than other areas.
4. You experience some severe symptoms, such as neck pain, irregular heartbeats, severe headache, and joint paint.
5. And you experience a circular red rash, particularly if you notice that your body was recently exposed to ticks.
6. Get more advices when you should find and seek the appropriate medical help by talking more with your doctor!

In addition, some of health professionals that can help you in making diagnosis of Lyme disease and giving the right treatments or other advices include; cardiologist, dermatologist, infectious disease expert/specialist, nurse practitioner, internist, neurologist, physician assistant, internist, and general practitioner.
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Reference: WebMD and lymedisease.org
Credit to ‘shutterstock’ for the image illustration