Long-term Bartonella infections can lead to chronic fatigue, severe headaches, muscle pain, digestive issues, and more. This bacterial infection is transmitted through fleas, ticks, lice, and cat scratches and is often overlooked or misdiagnosed since the symptoms overlap many other illnesses. Early diagnosis and treatment are key— though alternative treatments and supportive care are available to those with long-term symptoms.
If you experience unusual fatigue, headaches, or muscle pain, you could have a long-term Bartonella infection. This bacteria often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms mimic many other health conditions.
The result? Many are left to suffer for weeks, months, or even years without getting the relief they need.
This article explores the symptoms of long-term Bartonella so that you know the key signs to watch out for and advocate for your health.
What is Bartonella?
Bartonella is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of fleas, lice, ticks, or cat scratches and bites. There are many different species of Bartonella, and each can infect humans, leaving them with nonspecific symptoms that often overlap with other illnesses.
Patients and doctors are often left trying to uncover the cause of the common symptoms so that healing can begin.
Unfortunately, these infections are tough to diagnose, often because they look like many other conditions. Misdiagnosis occurs frequently, causing the patient to continue suffering from symptoms that can lead to chronic, long-term health issues.
Advanced testing with a Bartonella-literate doctor can help patients yield the greatest results.
Long-Term Bartonella Symptoms
The key to getting the right treatment is knowing the signs and symptoms of Bartonella. After all, not getting to the root cause of the symptoms can lead to a long-term infection.
Here are a few of the most common symptoms to look out for.
General Feelings of Fatigue and Malaise
Persistent fatigue plagues those with Bartonella, This makes it difficult to get through each day due to feeling drained — regardless of the amount of rest. Many have described this as physical exhaustion rather than just being mentally tired. As a result, it can significantly impact one’s daily activities.
Malaise, or a general feeling of being unwell, is often present. This level of weakness can make it tough to recover, even after adequate rest and treatment.
Headaches, Including Migraines
The headaches that come with Bartonella are monumental. They are very intense and can significantly impact life quality. Often, these headaches are very similar to migraines, accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and even visual disturbances.
Muscle and Joint Pain
Aches and pain throughout the body can stem from the muscles and joints. The pain and its location can vary from one person to the next, but it is almost always present. It is a result of Bartonella causing inflammation throughout the body.
Impact on the Nervous System
The nervous system cannot stand up to this bacteria as the chronic infection can lead to a long list of neurological symptoms. These most frequently include—
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- Poor mental clarity
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Balance issues, including vertigo and dizziness
Keep in mind that Bartonella can vary in how it impacts each person’s nervous system.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Just as the other systems in the body are exhibiting symptoms, so will the gastrointestinal tract. This means trouble with digestion, such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.
Unlike some of the other symptoms, gastro issues are not always constant but show up nonetheless.
Skin Lesions and Rashes
Another very common symptom of Bartonella infections is skin rashes and lesions. These red or purple spots come in all different shapes and sizes, appearing in different areas of the body. Sometimes they can turn into painful bumps underneath the skin.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes are typically found in the area where the infection is localized within the body, such as in the neck, armpit, or groin. This swelling can remain for months — as long as the infection remains in the body.
Cardiovascular Concerns
Heart problems can be dangerous. And, for some patients, they can surface with this type of bacterial infection. While not as common as other symptoms, those who do face cardiac issues may have palpitations, arrhythmias, or endocarditis.
Changes in Mood and Overall Mental Health
Mood changes and disturbances, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, sadness, and feelings of hopelessness are all possible with Bartonella. Many researchers believe this is the result of the illness impacting the brain and nervous system.
This isn’t always due to a physical illness or a mental health condition but is something that needs to be addressed to make managing life a bit easier.
Sleep Disturbances
Finally, sleep disturbances are a symptom of long-term Bartonella you simply cannot overlook. This infection can make things like falling asleep and staying asleep difficult. Lack of sleep can even exacerbate some of the aforementioned symptoms.
Treating Long-Term Bartonella Infections
Once a Bartonella infection is properly diagnosed, sometimes a round of antibiotics is all that is needed. Other times, the bacteria is resistant, and additional treatment is necessary — especially alternative treatment options.
Treating the symptoms will not clear up the infection. You have to get to the root cause. While doing so, supportive care for cardiovascular, neurological, and the like should be provided. This will aid in reaching a full recovery.
Healing from Bartonella at Lyme Mexico
Are you experiencing long-term Bartonella symptoms? Do your traditional treatments seem to not be working?
Dr. Omar Morales and his team at Lyme Mexico specialize in treating such complex infections. Travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, and find alternate treatments that will give you the relief you have been hoping for.
Schedule a consultation and become a patient today.
Conclusion
There are many key symptoms of long-term Bartonella infections that you should pay attention to, such as fatigue, neurological issues, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, skin lesions, and more. These symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years without a proper diagnosis — and treatment.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms and believe you may have been exposed to Bartonella bacteria, it is important to ensure that you seek out a medical team that understands the condition.