Here is a letter received in writing by a reader with its annotation, research and views on the causes of ALS neuromuscular disease.

"After a search to understand the causes of neurodegenerative diseases have guessed this plausible reality: the cause of neuromuscular disease ALS, is the lack of oxygen to the brain, namely: the reduction of compensation of oxygen to the cerebral cortex motor, which constantly evaluate, quantify, and store their own blood supply, its oxygenation, became later (through its system of self), employee compensation of oxygen that gets doing any intense physical activity, strenuous and continuous over time.

Explain: With the investigation of the Turin prosecutor Raffaele Guariniello we heard that former football players get sick of ALS six times more than the average of other people, this survey was for me an extraordinary confirmation of what I had already guessed because some evidence indicates that now describe.

First show: the symptoms of ALS appear always after a certain time, usually several years after the end of football; the disease never affects athletes while engaged in the same sport.

Second show: goalkeepers do not ever get sick of ALS, the reason for this immunity is clear, the goalkeeper does not include the race, and their cerebral cortex motors are not needed strong compensation of oxygen.

In fact, players who fall ill with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are the athletes who run more, too tiring, without granting the necessary breaks, breathing incorrectly.

When the athletes running exceed certain limits, their motor cortex neurons require a considerable amount of oxygen these demands for more oxygen is compensated by self-regulation system that has the brain for its blood supply, its oxygenation.

Motor neuron activity is more intense, the greater must be the compensation for oxygen, allowing the neurons in the motor cortex to generate pulses that are transmitted to cells of the spinal muscles operate.

As long as the football player has been in operation, his motor cortex may receive significant compensation of oxygen, but when the athlete completing the sport does not fit with a constant and gradual exercise, the compensation for oxygen is reduced, but Cerebral Motor Cortex Neurons of their being dependent oxygenation obtained compensation for a long time, they can adapt to a lesser amount of oxygen, motor neurons will deteriorate slowly and no longer generate the pulses which activate the muscles, causing progressive muscular atrophy which indicates amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Thus we understand that other people sick ALS without being football players, have done any strenuous physical activity, mobility, continuous, because of which have caused the same dependence on oxygen supply to the motor cortex, ending then dramatically intense physical activity for long, their motor neurons will undergo the same reduction of oxygen causes compensatory after some time the ALS. So we know that when you practice an intense and prolonged physical and motor, are indispensable appropriate pauses, breathing properly, then deciding to end it, you should continue gradually with a slight but steady exercise in this way can avoid ALS.

Signs and symptoms of disease ALS

The initial signs and symptoms of disease ALS are: muscle weakness in legs and arms, difficulty in swallowing and breathing as well as speaking, twitching and shortness of breath.

I have seen a lot of people are interested in lung disease symptoms. I decided to write therefore an article on lung disease symptoms, but in a less medical way. This is why I decided to write about smoking and the effects of smoking on the body. Smoking will not only damage your lungs, but also other parts of your body.

Smoking causes serious damage to the body. The only "comforting" thing that we can draw on the smoking cessation: who will stop constantly decreases the risks associated with these diseases, so that after 10 years is comparable to that of those who have never smoked.

Substances generated by burning cigarettes (you can check the composition of a cigarette), can cause serious damage to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems (heart with repercussions, cerebral, and peripheral arterial circulation), hemoglobin, oral cavity and larynx, the first section of the upper digestive tract, placenta and fetus, urogenital system, pancreas.

Here are some of the effects of smoking on the respiratory system:

-Deterioration in the functioning of the mucus-cycle, with the possibility of infection and inflammation).

-Reduction due to reduced immune cell activity of lymphocytes and macrophages, with a worsening of control of infection.

-Accentuated release of harmful enzymes that cause the destruction of lung parenchyma that it can be concluded in emphysema.

-Increase in bronchial asthma and manifestations.

-Premature aging of the pulmonary system.

-Processing of cellular DNA, cellular transformations, transformation and tumor tissue dysplasia tissue.

We will continue with the damage smoking can cause on your circulatory system:

-Increased heart rate and blood pressure in the placing of circulating catecholamines caused by nicotine.

-Inadequate oxygenation of the myocardium because of concentrations of corbossiemoglobina; polycythemia due to carbon monoxide.

- Increased platelet and blood coagulation as a direct action of nicotine.

-Placing increased noradrenaline with adrenergic discharges, if these stimuli coincide with a period of ventricular vulnerability, can lead to sudden death.

Here are the damaging effects of smoking on the oral cavity and upper digestive tract:

- The stimuli responsible for irritating disorders described above also act on the upper airways, the mouth and the esophagus. Therefore, the smoker is subject to pharyngitis and laryngitis, acute and chronic, dysplasia of the lip and oral cavity, larynx and esophagus and, last but not least, malignant tumors.

-Smoking facilitates the occurrence of gastric and duodenal ulcer.

Moreover, a pregnant woman can cause damage not only to her, but to her fetus as well by smoking. The baby will not develop properly if the mother smokes during pregnancy and the baby can actually die in severe cases. Another great risk is that the baby can be born with serious diseases and infections of the respiratory system.

Endocrine effects and metabolism

-Increased blood levels of catecholamines growth hormone, ACTH, cortisol, prolactin and beta-endorphins.

-Early menopause in women with higher frequency of osteoporosis.

-Smokers tend to have 3-5 kg less than non smokers.

-The carbon monoxide content in the smoke, by binding with hemoglobin forms the carboxyhemoglobin, so in the presence of even low levels of carbon monoxide in the air, determine measurable values of carboxyhemoglobin in the body (no need for transport of ' oxygen).

-The bone marrow may be over stimulated leading to polycythemia.

-The skin takes on a gray color, loses its elasticity and is withered and aged.

Malignant skin tumors are different in shape. Especially frequent is the basalioma (or basal cell carcinoma epithelioma), followed by spinalioma (squamous epithelioma). Rarer, but more known and dangerous is melanoma. Malignant skin tumors have been relatively slow and are largely treatable if detected early and then treated promptly.

Impact

The number of melanomas in the world has doubled in the last 10 years. Occur in Italy every year is between 6 and 9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Other skin cancers are malignant melanomas much more frequent (about 50 times more).

Melanoma predominantly affects those aged between 30 and 60 years, while basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas do not spare young people (aged 20 and over).

Melanoma strikes people loved freckled, skin, hair and light eyes. In Alpine countries, melanoma is about 5 or 6 times more frequent in Mediterranean countries.

Melanoma disease signs and symptoms

In the early stages, the melanoma disease signs and symptoms consist of a small round spot of skin color or pink. It manifests itself in various forms and can affect any part of the body, but instead the head (the eyes or nose, for example). In the final stages of cancer has a yellowish color and is composed of an ulcer that destroys surrounding tissue. The melanoma usually affects people over 45 years.

The warts are rough, tough and covered with scabs. Arise with particular frequency on the face, neck and hands. Are affected mostly people over 55 years.

The melanoma is dark brown and between black or blue. It can affect any body part, but preferably the trunk in men and torso and legs in women. Melanoma can also occur under the nails of fingers and toes and also the mucous membranes, albeit rarely. Approximately one third of malignant melanoma develops from within.

Causes of melanoma

The proliferation of various skin cancers are skin cells. The melanoma develops from basal cells, located in the squamous cell carcinoma from the outer layers of cells. Melanoma originates in the pigment cells.

There are several causes of these malignancies. Among these was a major part of the continued exposure to sunlight. The ultraviolet (UV), invisible to us, may cause damage in the DNA of skin cells that can repair itself but also transform some cell cancer and cause an uncontrolled proliferation.

The individual reactions to sunlight (UV) are obviously very different.

In addition to sunlight (UV), there are other factors contributing to the development of epitheliomas: carcinogens, ionizing radiation (e.g. X-rays).

Prevention and early diagnosis

The skin tumors are visible. Early diagnosis is therefore, in principle, almost always quite easy. This allows early intervention and, consequently, a higher probability of healing, especially in cases of melanoma.

Specialists believe that it is necessary to take regular controls of your skin in order to detect and prevent any problems. If you have a melanoma, periodically check their appearance: alone (look in the mirror to identify any changes), with the help of a family (for points not visible) or by consulting a dermatologist.

The cardiovascular disease prevention is an urgency for developed countries and for their spread, continuing to grow, that the mortality associated with them (the Europeans are dying for more cardiovascular disease than for cancer).

Cardiovascular disease can be prevented. Preventive strategies are based on change of particular habits and behavioral correction of pathological conditions that may predispose to cardiovascular diseases.

The purpose of this section of the portal is to provide the information necessary to know their risk of cardiovascular disease signs and symptoms and to prevent them.

The cardiovascular system consists of a mechanical pump, the heart, and a system of pipes from the heart (the aorta and major arteries) and gradually divided into smaller and smaller ducts (medium-sized arteries and arterioles) thin wall tubing up to (the capillaries). The main function of the cardiovascular system is to deliver to cells throughout the body's blood and with it oxygen and nutrients in addition, it is a deputy to carry away carbon dioxide and waste products produced by the body. These exchanges are accomplished through the capillaries which have very thin walls and arrive in all cells.

Cardiovascular diseases are diseases that affect the heart and / or blood vessels. The damage caused by these diseases can cause, in certain districts, does not reach an adequate amount of blood needed. The lack of blood supply in a district makes the cells that constitute it go quickly to meet a shortage of oxygen. This shortage of oxygen is called ischemia. If ischemia is prolonged in time, can cause the death of a part of the body (heart attack). Stroke and myocardial infarction are the most serious cardiovascular diseases. In the first case the disease results in a decrease in blood level within the brain, in the latter case, there is a reduction of blood flow at one of the coronary vessels to carry blood to the Members of heart muscle (myocardium). The damage caused to the heart after infarction makes it more difficult for pump organ and this may cause circulation problems in other body areas.

How can the cardiovascular disease be prevented?

Cardiovascular disease is widespread in the population. It represents the leading cause of death in industrialized countries and is still increasing. It can not only cause death but it can also reduce the quality of life of those affected in a non-lethal way. Cardiovascular disease signs and symptoms may be at least partially preventable. This is possible by implementing a series of measures of behavior (quit smoking, change eating habits, exercising) and type treatment (to reduce high blood pressure, high cholesterol, control diabetes).

Adopting these recommendations is to make prevention. Prevention is undoubtedly the best strategy for reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease!

An effective prevention program may be made only after identifying what needs to change. In other words, it is important to recognize the existence of factors that predispose an individual subject to experience a cardiovascular disease or the asymptomatic disease.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects structures of the black substance and the striatum. This disease also compromises the cerebral cortex, the limbic system and hypothalamus, has an unknown origin, recognizing multiple factors in its appearance with a strong genetic component whose importance may vary in different situations.



The EP is chronic, progressive and slow, and affects part of brain responsible for movement control and coordination, muscle tone and posture. In this area, called the black substance, there is a chemical, called dopamine, an essential compound for the regulation of movements, i.e. movements that are undertaken in an effective and harmonious.

Thus, in PD there is a "degeneration" of the black substance (cause unknown) whose consequence is the decline of dopamine. That is why the main manifestations of the disease expressed poor control of movements: tremor, generalized slowness (bradykinesia), rigidity and abnormal posture and gait.

Parkinson described the disease that bears his name as "shaking palsy", indicating the most relevant symptoms: decreased movement (paralysis) and "agitation" (tremor) occurs between 40 and 70 years of age with a higher incidence the decade of the 60s. There is a "Tremor, Benign Familial" of evolution very slow and often present in members of one family. It is not strictly a resting tremor, but in attitude.

Some authors believe it is a benign form of Parkinson's disease, but treatment is radically different. If it is very annoying, it is best to leave it untreated. A known feature of this tremor is its disappearance with small doses of alcohol (which is dangerous). The adrenaline is blocking drugs, which are also used to treat hypertension and angina pectoris, are the best alternative.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease? • Tremor in the arms and legs, initially on one side of the body when walking or resting. • Slowness of movement, especially in the beginning and / or terminate a quick movement ; Repetitive movement, which are known as bradykinesia • Stiffness in the arms, legs and muscles

• Problems with balance and coordination • Tiredness • Emotional changes such as depression • Deterioration of mental function (dementia) • Difficulty sleeping • Difficulty in swallowing, speaking, and urinary control, and constipation • Seborrhea eczema • Small and compressed writing (microfobia) • Deterioration or loss of smell • Visual hallucinations.

How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?- Parkinson's disease is diagnosed by a doctor who observes symptoms. They take a complete physical examination and medical history. Diagnosis depends on the presence of slow movements (bradykinesia) and at least one of the other main symptoms: tremor, rigidity and balance problems.

Although the tremor and bradykinesia on one side of the body are typical of the gradual development of the disease, 25% of people with Parkinson's do not experience tremor. The best way to verify the diagnosis is watching the reaction of the person on medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. Making the correct diagnosis can take some time. There are a lot of people in U.S. who need to read Parkinson’s disease symptoms in Spanish. You can find Parkinson’s disease symptoms in Spanish on hispanichealth.org.

EPIDEMIOLOGY - Many species of both domestic and wild birds; The mortality and morbidity rates vary according to species and depending on the viral strain; The chickens are more susceptible to poultry, ducks and geese are the least susceptible; There may be a carrier state in psittacine and some other wild birds



Transmission - Direct contact with secretions from infected birds, particularly feces; Food, water, tools, premises, human clothing, etc.
Sources of virus - Respiratory secretions, feces; All parts of dead birds; The virus is transmitted during the incubation period and for a limited period during convalescence. It has been shown that some parrots pass for more than a year the virus of Newcastle disease intermittently

Geographical Distribution - Newcastle disease is endemic in many countries. For years, some European countries have not had this disease. For more details on geographical distribution, see recent issues of World Animal Health and the OIE Bulletin

DIAGNOSIS - The incubation period of 4-6 days; Clinical diagnosis. Poultry disease and symptoms: Wheezing and coughing; Drooping wings, dragging legs, head and neck twisted, traveling in circles, depression, inapetence, complete paralysis.

Complete or partial interruption of egg production. Deformed eggs, rugged and thin-shelled and contain watery albumen; Green watery diarrhea; Swollen tissues around the eyes and neck. Morbidity and mortality depend on the virulence of the virus strain, degree of immunity to vaccination, environmental conditions and the status of birds on the farm.

Injuries - The poultry disease and symptoms of this disease produce no pathognomonic gross lesions; Several birds should be examined to make a tentative diagnosis. For the final diagnosis must await the virus isolation and identification

The lesions can be found are: Interstitial tissue edema or peritracheal the neck, especially near the thoracic inlet; Congestion and sometimes bleeding from the tracheal mucosa; Petechiae and small ecchymoses on the mucosa of the proventriculus, concentrated around the orifices of the mucous glands; Edema, hemorrhage, necrosis or ulceration of the mucosal lymphoid tissue in the intestinal wall; Edema, hemorrhage, or degeneration of the ovaries

Differential Diagnosis - Fowl cholera; Avian Influenza; Laryngotracheitis; Avian pox (diphtheritic form); Psittacosis (chlamydiosis) (psittacine birds); Mycoplasmoses; Infectious Bronchitis; Pacheco's parrot disease (psittacine birds); Also driving errors, such as lack of water, air, food

Laboratory Diagnosis - Procedure: Identification of agent; Inoculation of chicken eggs embryonated 9-11 days, then: Review of the hemagglutination activity; Hemagglutination inhibition using a specific antiserum to Newcastle disease.

Assessment of pathogenity - Test plaques in cultures of embryonic fibroblasts; Average time of death through embryonated chicken eggs; Intracerebral pathogenity index in 1-day-old chicks; Intravenous pathogenity index in chickens for 6 weeks. Serological tests - Proof of hemagglutination inhibition

ELISA - Hits; Identification of agent; Tracheal and swabs (or stool samples) of live birds or groups of bodies and feces from dead birds. Serological tests - Samples of clotted blood or serum

PREVENTION AND CONTROL - No treatment; Sanitary prophylaxis; Strict isolation of outbreaks; Destruction of all infected and exposed birds to infection; Clean and disinfect the premises thoroughly; Adequate destruction of dead birds; Pest control on farms; A deadline of 21 days before restocking; Avoid contact with birds whose health status is unknown; Control of human movement; It is recommended breeding age group per farm; Medical prophylaxis

Birthday cake. Pizza. A big cookie and gooey with chocolate pieces. For people who suffer from celiac disease, a digestive system disorder, these foods are not common delights. Why? Because they contain a type of protein called gluten, which causes problems for people with celiac disease.



This article is about celiac disease symptoms in teenagers, because I have been asked by a friend to write it. What is celiac disease and what causes it? The digestive system is the set of organs that digests food and absorbs important nutrients the body needs to grow and stay healthy. An important part of the digestive system is the small intestine, which is lined with millions of microscopic projections called villi finger-shaped. The villi are the vehicles through which the body absorbs nutrients.

People with celiac disease have a disorder that causes a reaction to gluten, a type of protein found in many foods. When these people eat gluten, the immune system's reaction to the protein gradually erodes and destroys the villi of the small intestine. When the villi are damaged, the body can not process the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Therefore people with celiac disease are at risk of malnutrition and may develop anemia (decreased red blood cells due to lack of iron) or osteoporosis (brittle bones due to lack of calcium).

The body's inability to absorb nutrients can also mean that teenagers with celiac disease may not grow to their full potential height. In addition, people with celiac disease may be more prone to developing other diseases such as thyroid disease, diabetes, lupus and certain cancers.

No one knows exactly why a person develops celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue, non tropical sprue or gluten enteropathy. However, the disease appears to be genetic, which means that it is common in a family. Same as eye color or hair, people inherit from their parents and grandparents the genes that make them more susceptible to developing celiac disease. If a relative has celiac disease, the probability that you also suffer from it is 10%.

Although celiac disease affects people of all origins, it seems to be more common among people whose ancestors came from northern Europe.

In the past, experts believed that celiac disease was rare in the United States. However, the study results published in early 2003 by the University Of Maryland Center for Celiac Research (Research Center for Celiac Disease at the University of Maryland) in Baltimore indicate that the disease is more widespread than previously thought.

Celiac disease symptoms in teenagers - The symptoms of Celiac disease are the same in children, teenagers and adults. It is important to diagnose celiac disease early before it causes too much damage to the intestine. But as it is easy to confuse the symptoms with other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance, for those adolescents with celiac disease do not know they have it.

Some common symptoms of celiac disease are diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. People with the disease may feel tired, irritable or depressed. Some people suffering from the disease have skin rashes and mouth sores. The malnutrition that accompanies celiac disease can cause anemia and other problems associated with nutrition problems. The onset of puberty in adolescents with celiac disease could be delayed.

What is ALS? - This is the short term for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , rarely called also the  Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurological disease, invariably fatal, which attacks nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. This disease is included  into a group of diseases called motor neuron diseases, which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons.



Motor neurons are nerve cells located in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord that serve as controlling units and vital communication links between the nervous system and voluntary muscles of the body. Messages from motor neurons brain (called upper motor neurons) are transmitted to motor neurons in the spinal cord (called lower motor neurons) and from there to each particular muscle. In ALS, motor neurons both upper and lower degenerate or die and stop sending messages to muscles. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weaken and become waste (atrophy) and contract. Eventually, the brain loses the ability to initiate and control voluntary movement.

ALS is the cause of weakness having a wide array of disabilities. Are affected eventually all muscles under voluntary control and patients lose their strength and ability to move his arms, legs and body. When muscles of the diaphragm and chest wall fail, patients can't breathe any more without a ventilator or breathing machine. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually between 3 to 5 years from the onset of ALS disease symptoms. However, about 10 percent of ALS patients survive 10 years or more.

Because ALS affects only motor neurons, the disease does not impair the mind, personality, intelligence or memory of the person. Nor does it affect the senses of sight, smell, taste, hearing or touch. Patients usually maintain control of eye muscles and functions of the bladder and intestines.

What are the ALS disease symptoms? - The onset of ALS may be so subtle that often are overlooked symptoms. The first symptoms may include twitching, cramps or muscle stiffness, muscle weakness affecting an arm or leg, speech impaired or nose, or difficulty chewing or swallowing. These widespread complaints then become more obvious weakness or atrophy, which can lead to the doctor suspecting ALS.

The parts of the body affected by early symptoms of ALS depend on which muscles in the body are damaged first. In some cases, symptoms initially affect one of the legs and patients have difficulty walking or running or realize that they face or stumble more often. At first, some patients see the effects of the disease in a hand or arm when they are hard to do simple tasks requiring manual dexterity such as buttoning a shirt, write or turn the key into a lock. Other patients notice trouble in speaking.

For patients to be diagnosed with ALS, they must have signs and symptoms of damage to the upper and lower motor neurons that can not be attributed to other causes. Although the sequence of emerging symptoms and the rate of disease progression vary from person to person, eventually patients will not stand or walk, lie down or get out of bed alone, or use his hands and arms.

Difficulty swallowing and chewing hurts the ability of patients to eat normally and increase the risk of choking. Maintaining weight becomes a problem. Because the disease usually does not affect cognitive abilities, patients realize their gradual loss of function, and can be anxiety or depression. Health professionals should explain the course of the disease and describe available treatments so that patients can make informed decisions in advance.

Introduction - Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. It was first described in 1817 by James Parkinson, a British physician who published an article on what he called "the shaking palsy." In this article, outlined the main symptoms of the disease that later bear his name.



Investigators believe at least 500,000 people in the United States currently suffer from Parkinson's disease, though some estimates are much higher. Society pays an enormous price for the disease. The estimated total cost for the country exceeds $ 6.000 million annually.

What is Parkinson's disease? - Parkinson's disease belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders. The four main symptoms are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw or head, stiffness, or stiffness of limbs and trunk, bradykinesia, or slowness of movement, and postural instability, or impaired balance. These symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As you become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking or completing other simple tasks. Not all those with one or more of these symptoms have the disease because symptoms may also appear in other diseases.

Early Parkinson’s disease signs and symptoms are subtle and occur gradually. Affected people may feel mild tremors or have difficulty getting up from a chair. They may notice they speak very softly or that their handwriting is slow and seems tight or small. They can lose track of a word or a thought, or may feel tired, irritable, or depressed for no apparent reason.

The Parkinson’s disease signs and symptoms often begin on one side of the body. However, as it evolves, the disease eventually affects both sides. Even after the disease involves both sides of the body, symptoms often are less severe on one side than the other. The four primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease are:

Tremor. The tremor associated with the disease has a characteristic appearance. Typically, the tremor takes the form of a rhythmic forward and backward at a rate of 4-6 beats per second.
Stiffness. The stiffness, or resistance to movement, affects most people with Parkinson's disease. An important principle of body movement is that all muscles have an opposing muscle. The movement is possible not just because one muscle becomes more active, but because the opposing muscle relaxes.

Bradykinesia. Bradykinesia, or the delay and loss of spontaneous and automatic movement, is particularly frustrating because it can make simple tasks rather difficult.
Postural instability. Postural instability, or impaired balance, causes patients to fall easily. Affected people may develop a stooped posture in which the head is bowed and shoulders slumped.
Depression. This is a common problem and may appear early in the course of the disease, even before other symptoms are noticed.

Emotional changes. Some people with PD become fearful and insecure.
Difficulty in swallowing and chewing. The muscles used for swallowing may work less efficiently in later stages of the disease.
Changes in speech. About half of patients with the disease have problems of speaking.
Urinary problems or constipation. In some patients, may be problems with the bladder and bowel due to malfunction of the autonomic nervous system responsible for regulating smooth muscle activity.

Skin problems. In Parkinson's disease, it is common that the skin of the face becomes very oily, particularly on the forehead and sides of the nose. The scalp may become oily, causing dandruff;
Trouble sleeping. Common sleep problems in Parkinson's disease include difficulty staying asleep at night, restless sleep, nightmares and emotional dreams, and drowsiness or sudden onset of sleep during the day.

What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is an infection caused by a kind of bacterium (germ) called a spirochete. The carrier of the disease are deer ticks, which are located in the northeastern and north central United States of America, and the black-legged ticks west, which are mainly in the region Pacific Coast of the United States. These ticks can spread the disease to animals and humans through biting. These ticks typically are the size of a sesame seed.



Lyme disease is more common in rural and suburban areas in the U.S. Northeast and Midwest. Lyme disease is also found in other parts of the U.S. like Europe, Asia and Australia. What are the symptoms of Lyme disease? Everybody is asking what are the symptoms of Lyme disease. One sign of Lyme disease is a rash that may appear between three and thirty days after a tick bite. This rash usually starts at the site of the tick bite. May begin as a small red spot and grow larger. The center may fade, creating a bull's eye appearance or ring, but this does not always happen. Some people with Lyme disease have many red spots. The rash may burn, hurt or itch.

Other symptoms of Lyme disease in its early stage include fever, chills, headache, stiff neck, fatigue and muscle aches. Rarely, Lyme disease in its early stages can spread to the heart or nervous system. If Lyme disease spreads to the heart, the person may feel their heart beats irregularly or slowly. The spread of Lyme disease to the nervous system can cause the face to droop (a condition known as Bell's palsy) can cause numbness in the arms and legs or swelling of the membranes surrounding the brain, which is known as meningitis.

What about the later stages of Lyme disease? - If Lyme disease is not treated it can spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms of late stage Lyme disease include arthritis (painful, swollen joints) and nervous system problems. Arthritis caused by Lyme disease often affects only one of the large joints, such as the knee. Sometimes it may affect more than one joint. The symptoms of nervous system disorder that causes late-stage Lyme disease may include trouble concentrating, changes in mood or sleeping habits, memory loss and muscular weakness. However, Lyme disease rarely causes such problems with the nervous system.

How is Lyme disease treated? - Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. The initial stage of Lyme disease responds very well to treatment. In most cases, between 14 and 30 days of antibiotics kill bacteria. Your doctor will tell you how many days to take the antibiotic. It is important that you take all the medicine your doctor prescribes to prevent the spread of Lyme disease to your joints, nervous system or heart.

If you have problems do not stop taking medication. Call your doctor and talk to him about these side effects. Late-stage Lyme disease is also treated with antibiotics. Drugs that reduce swelling and pain can relieve arthritis associated with late-stage Lyme disease. If necessary, excess fluid can be drained (removed) from the affected joints.