A Jarisch-Herxheimer, or herxing, reaction to Lyme disease treatment can sometimes make patients feel worse before they feel better. This is because the bacteria die off and release toxins into the body that overwhelm it. Symptoms like fatigue, pain, fever, and confusion are temporary and can be managed with the right detox support, inflammation reduction, and guidance from a Lyme specialist.
Lyme disease can take a toll on the body and your overall quality of life, making the right treatment so crucial. Unfortunately, while you may be seeking relief, you may begin to feel even worse. Intense symptoms can appear out of nowhere, leaving you feeling defeated.
This reaction to treatment is known as a Herxheimer reaction, or more commonly called herxing.
This article looks closer at herxing symptoms, including what they are and how to manage them.
What is Herxing?
A Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is the formal term for what happens when patients have this type of reaction to Lyme disease treatment, though it is most commonly referred to as herxing in the medical field. So, what is it?
Herxing refers to a brief period of worsening symptoms at the onset of treatment. In a nutshell, this happens when harmful bacteria die off, releasing toxins into the body faster than the chosen treatment method can remove them.
Antimicrobial or antibiotic treatments are both regularly used for treating Lyme disease. However, when they enter the body, the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria responsible for the illness begin releasing endotoxins and inflammatory materials into the bloodstream as they are killed off. This can easily be too much for the body to handle as it slows down natural detoxification. The liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system struggle to keep up, and symptoms increase dramatically. This can be felt physically.
Patients feel as though the treatment has failed, but those who understand herxing know that all these added symptoms mean the treatment is working.
Common Symptoms of Herxing
What does herxing look like? Does it increase the symptoms of Lyme that you already have, or do new symptoms appear? For some, current symptoms can become exacerbated; for others, it can feel like the onset of the flu.
Nonetheless, the symptoms of herxing can vary greatly from person to person as it depends on several factors, such as the strength of treatment and the body’s ability to detox. Let’s take a look at potential symptoms patients may experience.
Common physical symptoms include:
- Intense fatigue or exhaustion
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fever or chills
- Sweating, flushing
- Nausea, digestive disturbances
- Increased aches and pains
- Skin rashes
As for neurological or psychological symptoms, patients may experience:
- Dizziness
- Brain fog or confusion
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Sensitivity to light, sound, smell
And, finally, detox symptoms typically appear, including:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Increased heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in urine or bowel movements
- Body odor
- Metallic taste
Does Herxing Go Away?
The good news for patients is that herxing reactions will go away. They are temporary, with the length of impact determined by a few key factors— the body’s ability to detox, the strength of the treatment, and the patient’s overall level of health.
Generally, herxing can last a few hours or a few days. If the treatment is aggressive, the reaction can be stronger, causing the herxing to stick around for a week or more. Should it last much longer than this or get worse as time passes, reach out to a Lyme specialist to adjust your treatment.
How to Manage Herxing Symptoms
It is always beneficial to approach treatment for Lyme disease knowing that a herx reaction is possible. It’s not ideal, but being prepared and knowing how to manage the symptoms can make it easier to get through them and minimize your discomfort. Staying connected with friends and family and speaking up when the symptoms get to be too much can help you get through the treatment more successfully.
Support Detoxification
Your body is trying to clear out the toxins, but they are appearing in such great numbers that it is hard for the organs to keep up. By taking steps to aid your body in its detoxification, you can reduce your symptoms faster. Here’s how you can help—
Drink plenty of purified water to flush the toxins out and add some electrolytes in there to stay hydrated. Gentle movement and massage can help support your lymphatic system as it tries to carry the toxins out of the body.
Your gut health also plays a role in detoxification and should be taken care of during this time. Taking a high-quality probiotic while eating a clean, whole food diet will be highly beneficial. Avoid sugar, alcohol, and processed foods.
Reduce Inflammation
When the immune system is fighting off bacteria and toxins, inflammation is going to be present. This adds to the symptoms you are feeling. You can reduce them by taking it easy and reducing stress. After all, stress further increases your inflammation.
Other ways you can offer your body anti-inflammatory support include drinking herbal teas like chamomile or ginger and getting the proper nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and turmeric.
Adjusting Your Treatment
Sometimes, if the symptoms are too bad, adjusting your treatment intensity is necessary. Slowing it down or taking a break can give your body a much-needed reprieve. Working with a Lyme specialist can help you find the necessary balance so that you may get treatment without feeling overwhelmed.
Lyme Treatment in Puerto Vallarta
It’s hard to believe that a bite from a tiny tick can leave you with symptoms that feel unmanageable— and that they may get worse with treatment! Herxing is not something anyone wants to deal with when trying to overcome Lyme disease, but it is a reality. The key is working with the right medical team to get through it.
At Lyme Mexico, we specialize in the treatment of this condition and everything that comes along with it. Let us show you that healing is possible.
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. With the use of effective treatments, you will be able to begin to find healing from your symptoms.
Become a patient and schedule a consultation today!
Conclusion
Herxing symptoms can often be discouraging and a lot to handle. It is important to remember, however, that they are a sign that your Lyme disease treatment is working. Surrounding yourself with a Lyme-literate medical team can help you safely navigate herxing symptoms as you continue moving toward recovery.