Written by Dr. Diane Mueller
Chronic Lyme Disease Treatment in some ways is like acute Lyme Disease treatment, but with more complicated layers. The main difference in many ways between acute versus chronic Lyme Disease Treatment comes down to the number of tissues and organs that are impacted. Lyme Disease, caused by the bacteria, Borrelia, is spiral in shape resembling a corkscrew. This shape allows it to burrow deep into tissues and cells. In addition, it also has a flagella (tail), which allows it to go even deeper. Because of this, in many ways the difference between acute and chronic Lyme comes down to how many different tissues have been invaded.
Chronic Lyme disease is a complex condition caused by a persistent tick-borne infection, often accompanied by severe fatigue, joint pain, and neurological issues.
Effective treatment requires a multifaceted approach, including antibiotics, herbal remedies, detox strategies, and addressing coinfections to manage symptoms and promote recovery.
Coinfections like Babesia and Bartonella complicate the disease, contributing additional symptoms like fever, skin rashes, and neuropsychiatric challenges.
Comprehensive care focuses on killing bacteria, reducing inflammation, supporting detoxification, and repairing damage caused by the infection.
Working with a Lyme-literate clinician is vital to developing an individualized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and health goals.
Chronic Lyme often overlaps with other conditions, making personalized strategies crucial for long-term healing and restoring quality of life.
Chronic Lyme disease develops when the initial infection, caused by Borrelia bacteria, persists untreated or inadequately treated. This condition is complex and frequently involves multiple systems in the body.
Acute Lyme disease occurs within the first three months after a tick bite. Flu-like symptoms, a bullseye rash, and joint pain often define this early stage. Neurological or cognitive issues may emerge but are usually more limited, as the infection primarily impacts fewer tissues or organs.
Now, once Lyme is chronic, it can cause all sorts of symptoms that can be quite scary. (see our blog Lyme Disease Symptoms for more information). The antibiotic drugs or herbs that are used for the treatment of Lyme disease are important in both the acute and chronic stages of Lyme. The biggest difference when it comes to chronic Lyme Disease treatment is how long the herb/drugs are used and the number of organs/glands that have been impacted that will need to be repaired.
Chronic Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria’s ability to burrow deeply using its spiral shape and flagella, infiltrating tissues, organs, and cellular structures. This leads to widespread damage, with symptoms expanding to neurological dysfunction, severe fatigue, systemic inflammation, and debilitating joint problems. The disease’s complexity increases as more tissues and systems become affected.
Chronic Lyme disease often includes coinfections due to ticks transmitting pathogens besides Borrelia. Babesia, a parasite similar to malaria, can trigger symptoms such as high fevers, chills, and night sweats. Bartonella may cause vascular inflammation, skin rashes, or severe neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Bacterial infections like Anaplasma and Ehrlichia contribute to flu-like symptoms and immune dysregulation. Viruses contracted during a tick bite may further complicate the clinical picture, amplifying inflammatory cytokines in the body. Proper diagnostic tests must evaluate these coinfections to shape a comprehensive treatment plan.
Treating chronic Lyme disease requires addressing the infection and its impact on the body. A multidimensional approach targets bacteria while supporting detoxification, repairing damage, and enhancing overall health.
It is critical to target Borrelia and coinfections. Antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, rifampin, methylene blue, or cipro effectively combat these pathogens. Herbal remedies, such as Smilax, which assists explicitly in treating Bartonella infections, also offer options. However, preventing Borrelia from entering dormant forms is equally essential, as dormant bacteria can reactivate over time.
Some treatments require specific precautions. Testing for G6PD deficiency ensures the safe use of methylene blue, an MAO-I that interacts with medications that influence serotonin. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate risks carefully when designing your bacterial treatment plan.
Reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s detoxification systems enhances recovery. Borrelia and coinfections release toxins, triggering inflammatory cytokines that worsen symptoms. Strategies like improving liver function, supporting kidney health, and optimizing lymphatic drainage help process and remove these toxins. Effective detoxification reduces the overall bacterial burden and systemic inflammation.
Chronic Lyme disease damages tissues, organs, and glands, but repairing this damage is possible with a focus on healing. Addressing hormonal disruptions by resetting imbalanced cycles strengthens recovery. Targeted dietary interventions or supplementation can restore depleted nutrients from bacterial overgrowth or chronic inflammation.
Immune system rebuilding is central to long-term recovery. Chronic Lyme compromises immunity, leaving you vulnerable to other infections. Strengthening your immune system re-establishes resilience and aids in overcoming coinfections.
Chronic Lyme requires more extended treatment than acute Lyme. Combining antibiotics with natural treatments, such as herbal medicine and nutritional support, improves outcomes. Don’t overlook coinfections like Bartonella during this process—they often exacerbate symptoms and demand specific treatments.
Working with a Lyme-literate clinician ensures you receive expert guidance. These specialists understand chronic Lyme’s complexities and personalize treatments to address unique clinical scenarios. Their expertise helps navigate this challenging disease effectively.
Chronic Lyme is connected to conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia and neurological complications such as nerve damage or cognitive decline. Coinfections like Bartonella further contribute to diverse and overlapping symptoms. Tailored strategies are essential to address these interconnected conditions and the inflammatory cytokines they fuel.
Tailoring your treatment plan reflects the complexity of chronic Lyme. Consider factors like the number of affected organs, coinfections, and specific symptoms. A customized approach seeks symptom management and long-term healing, aiming to restore your health and improve your quality of life.
Chronic Lyme disease is a complex and challenging condition, but with the right approach, you can work toward better health. You’re taking essential steps toward recovery by addressing the root causes, managing coinfections, and supporting your body’s healing processes.
Partnering with a Lyme-literate clinician ensures a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. While the journey may be demanding, focusing on long-term healing can help you regain control over your life and improve your overall well-being.
Thompson, A., Hynicka, L., & Shere-Wolfe, K. (2023). A Comprehensive Review of Herbal Supplements Used for Persistent Symptoms Attributed to Lyme Disease.. Integrative medicine, 22 1, 30-38
Feng, J., Shi, W., Zhang, S., Sullivan, D., Auwaerter, P., & Zhang, Y. (2016). A Drug Combination Screen Identifies Drugs Active against Amoxicillin-Induced Round Bodies of In Vitro Borrelia burgdorferi Persisters from an FDA Drug Library. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00743.
Li T, Feng J, Xiao S, Shi W, Sullivan D, Zhang Y. Identification of FDA-Approved Drugs with Activity against Stationary Phase Bartonella henselae. Antibiotics (Basel). 2019 Apr 29;8(2):50. doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics8020050. PMID: 31035691; PMCID: PMC6628006.
We have helped thousands of
people restore their health
and quality of life by diagnosing
and treating their Lyme Disease.
“Dr. Mueller’s approach to medicine is refreshing! There is only so much you can do with western medicine and in my life I was needing a new approach. By addressing the whole body, nutritional diet factors, environmental factors, blood work, and incorporating ideas I had not previously known, I was able to break through with my conditions. I am not only experiencing less pain in my life, but through the process of healing guided by Dr. Diane Mueller, I am now happy to say I have more consciousness surrounding how I eat, what to eat and when things are appropriate. Living by example Dr. Mueller has a vibrancy that makes you want to learn and know more about your body and overall health. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for new answers, a new approach to health, or in need of freedom from pain and limitations.”
-Storie S.
Kihei, HI
