Lyme’s Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by spirochete Borrelia burgdoferi, transmitted by the tick Ixodes dammini. The earliest symptom of the disease is a rash called erythema chronicum migrans that begins at the site of a tick bite and migrates through entire body.
As a result of systemic infection, fever, headache, fatigue, pain in joints and myalgia occur. Episodes of arthritis pain and swelling become chronic with progressive erosion of cartilage and bone.
When Lyme disease goes untreated, the bacteria can spread to the nervous system, heart and other organs, tendons and joints. This cause more serious complications such as meningoencephalitis, Bell’s palsy (facial nerve paralysis) and heart problems (myocarditis and heart block).
Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy is a successful adjunct to antibiotics in a treatment of Lyme disease by:
- reducing infection directly by killing bacteria and indirectly by improving white blood cells capacity to kill bacteria (phagocytosis)
- improving the effect of antibiotics
- reducing swelling and pain in arthritic joint
- eliminating muscle pain and fatigue
- preventing bone and cartilage damage
- improving peripheral nerve regeneration
References:
- Fife WP et al.: Treatment of Lyme disease with hyperbaric oxygen therapy; Undearsea Hyperbaric Med; 25:29 (abstract); 1998.
- Rocic et al.: Hyperbaric oxygenation as a therapy of Bell’s palsy; Undearsea Hyperb Med, 24:35-38; 1997
