Lyme disease and nausea go hand-in-hand. This may be due to the gastrointestinal upset from the illness itself or due to the medications involved in treating it. With a few dietary adjustments, medication monitoring, and complementary therapies, you will have a greater chance of overcoming its unpleasantness. Seek out the help of a Lyme-literate doctor to ensure the greatest chance of success.
Lyme disease can often come with a lot of different symptoms. While none are overly pleasant, the nausea associated with it is often bothersome — enough to disrupt daily life. It can also be a side effect of the medicine used to treat this condition.
Regardless of the reasons, this article explores how to best manage Lyme disease and nausea.
Understanding Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infection that is caused by the borrelia bacteria commonly found in the black-legged tick. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, putting humans of all ages at risk. These ticks can be found anywhere but are most prevalent in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest areas of the U.S., peaking between April and October.
For most who take quick action, a round or two of antibiotics are often all that is needed. Unfortunately, sometimes the infection is overlooked or is simply not effective.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
The first thing that most patients notice is a rash that appears on the skin. It looks like a bullseye and can expand to be quite large. This often appears alongside other symptoms like fever, fatigue, headache, chills, and even swollen lymph nodes.
Without treatment, these symptoms can eventually include:
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- Painful, swollen joints
- Numbness or nerve pain
- Facial weakness or paralysis
- Irregular heartbeat and other cardiovascular symptoms
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Nausea and Lyme Disease
When it comes to symptoms of Lyme disease, one that cannot be overlooked, especially in the early stages, are those related to the gastrointestinal system. This is mostly a result of inflammation in the gut.
Nausea can be caused by the infection itself, a side effect from antibiotics, or due to a triggered inflammatory response. Either way, let’s take a closer look at how nausea and other gastro symptoms can wreak havoc on the body.
Digestive Issues
Digestive upset can include all kinds of symptoms, such as nausea, heartburn, vomiting, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and constipation. The inflammation caused by Lyme disease or various co-infections can directly impact the health and function of your digestive tract.
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky gut syndrome is when a permeated small intestine allows food particles and bacteria to leak out and enter the bloodstream. The result? An immune response — and increased inflammation.
Leaky gut syndrome may be caused by Lyme disease or a co-infection, but it leads to additional issues, such as brain fog, joint pain, headaches, and autoimmune conditions.
Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions associated with Lyme disease, affecting more than half of those diagnosed.
This condition can lead to symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or constipation. All the bacteria overgrowth can make it harder for the small intestines to absorb nutrients, resulting in fatigue.
Other Digestive Symptoms
There are other digestive symptoms faced by those diagnosed with Lyme disease. For instance, constipation is very common. It has even been dubbed the “Bell’s palsy of the gut,” because it impacts the nerves that supply the intestines. The nerves that contract and help everything move on through the system may no longer be working.
Another condition known as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can cause digestive symptoms. These mast cells can be located in the gastrointestinal tract where they are triggered by stimuli and release histamine into the body. Nausea is the most common symptom associated with MCAS, but other signs of digestive upset are present, too.
Still, other digestive symptoms may include underlying candida and parasite infections. Many times the borrelia bacteria of Lyme disease will need to be treated first before treating these additional infections.
How to Manage Nausea with Lyme Disease
So, what can you do to manage the nausea you are experiencing? Here are a few ideas.
Make Dietary Adjustments
Consider eating bland food that is easy to digest. Eat smaller meals more frequently, rather than loading your body up with a heavy meal. And, stay hydrated by drinking your fluids. If you notice anything you are eating that leaves you feeling nauseous, cut it out of your diet.
Address Your Medication
If your nausea is related to your medication, perhaps you can talk to your doctor about alternatives. Maybe there are other options with fewer side effects that may work. Or, if not, consider taking medication to curb the nausea.
Complementary Therapies
There is a lot involved in the treatment of Lyme disease. So, if there is something that can be done to reduce your feelings of nausea or other symptoms, then give them a try. Complementary therapies, for instance, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, and others, can give you the relief you are seeking.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Although it may be quite common to experience nausea and gastrointestinal issues when dealing with a Lyme disease diagnosis, it is always a good idea to see a doctor if you aren’t feeling well. There are treatments available to alleviate your symptoms — and alternative treatments to get to the root cause.
If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention right away:
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- Severe or persistent nausea
- Vomiting that lasts longer than 24 hours
- Show signs of dehydration, including dizziness, lightheadedness, or decreased urine output
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Lyme Disease Treatment at Lyme Mexico
Are you tired of dealing with the queasy feelings that come with nausea? If you have been diagnosed with Lyme disease and you have been nauseous, there are treatments available to help you feel better. 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 at Lyme Mexico today!
Conclusion
Lyme disease can significantly impact your quality of life. If you are struggling to get through each day, find and implement the appropriate management strategies to get rid of your nausea and Lyme symptoms altogether.