Treatment of Lyme Disease with Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber

Formation of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by spirochete bacteria transmitted by ticks. The first case of this disease in China was discovered in the forest areas of Heilongjiang Province in 1985, with neurological damage being the main clinical manifestation. Neurological damage in Lyme disease is most commonly seen as meningitis, encephalitis, cranial neuritis, and motor and sensory neuropathy. Antibiotics are effective in treating early-stage Lyme disease, but they become ineffective in the later stages, particularly when neurological damage is present.

Acupuncture treatment for this disease only emerged in the 1990s. Although there is only one reported case so far, the treatment has been satisfactory for stage II and III patients, so it deserves a special introduction.

Lyme disease is a regional, systemic, chronic tick-borne spirochete disease. Symptoms include: (1) neurological symptoms such as irritability, emotional fluctuations, lack of concentration, short-term memory loss, sleep disorders, facial pain, blurred vision, and photosensitivity; (2) cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain and palpitations; (3) musculoskeletal symptoms with migratory joint pain; (4) other symptoms including headaches and pelvic pain.

Stage 1 (localized Lyme disease) - This is the early stage of the disease where the bacteria are concentrated in the local area, usually at the site of the tick bite.

Stage 2 (early disseminated Lyme disease) - In this stage, the bacteria begin to spread throughout the body. Patients may start experiencing other symptoms.

Stage 3 (late disseminated Lyme disease) - In this stage, the bacteria are widely distributed throughout the body. If treatment has not begun, patients may experience severe symptoms and a decrease in quality of life.

• Elimination of bacteria and toxins - Increased oxygen content in the blood delivered by HBOT can kill bacteria and viruses, as well as remove heavy metals and toxins commonly found in Lyme disease.

• Stimulation of stem cell production - Increased oxygen content in the blood helps stimulate the production of more stem cells, which seek out and repair damaged tissues. This helps alleviate joint and muscle pain associated with chronic Lyme disease.

• Formation of new blood vessels and improved blood flow - Portable hyperbaric oxygen chamber helps promote the growth and establishment of new blood vessels, allowing oxygen-rich blood to reach inflamed tissues and significantly reduce inflammation levels in the body.

• Stimulation of white blood cell production - Higher oxygen levels promote white blood cell production and enhance the body's immune system. Essentially, this promotes the body's healing properties and initiates the recovery process.

• Restoration of brain function - Pressurized oxygen delivered to the body through HBOT stimulates brain function and helps restore cognitive abilities. Most patients regain most, if not all, of their memory and functional thinking.

• Restoration of damaged organs - In chronic cases where organs such as the heart, liver, and eyes are affected, increased oxygen aids in healing, and in most cases, the organs regain normal functionality.

Dr. Allen Steere first discovered Lyme disease in the early 1970s. He linked this disease to the bites of black-legged or deer ticks. He named Lyme disease after Old Lyme, Connecticut, where doctors diagnosed the first group of victims. However, it wasn't until 1982 that the true cause was identified. Swiss-born entomologist Willy Burgdorfer discovered the bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes this disease and named it after himself.

Borrelia burgdorferi is the main cause of Lyme disease in the United States. However, in 2013, scientists at the Mayo Clinic discovered another bacteria, Borrelia mayonii, which is responsible for Lyme disease in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. In Europe and Asia, there are two other bacteria that can cause Lyme disease: Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. All four bacteria are transmitted by black-legged ticks.

Lyme disease is transmitted when Borrelia burgdorferi (or one of the other three bacteria) is transferred from a tick to a human. In the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest regions of the United States, this is done by black-legged or deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis). Along the Pacific coast, it is spread by western black-legged ticks (Ixodes pacificus). Most infections occur through bites from immature ticks or nymphs. These ticks are usually very small, less than 2 millimeters, making them difficult to see.

In the United States, most cases of Lyme disease occur in the upper Midwest, northeastern states, and northwestern states along the west coast. Ticks live in shaded, wooded areas or areas with tall grass and are close to the ground. They can attach to tall grass, shrubs, and bushes. The ticks responsible for transmitting Lyme disease are usually in the nymph stage and very small.

Although they can bite and attach themselves anywhere on the body, they are more likely to attach to concealed or hairy areas such as the armpits, groin, and scalp. While it is possible, transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi does not occur unless the tick has been attached and fed for more than 36 hours. It is important to regularly check for ticks and remove them as soon as possible while hiking or camping. The longer the tick remains attached, the greater the risk of developing Lyme disease.

When a tick attaches to your skin and feeds on it, it must be removed as soon as possible. The longer the tick remains attached, the higher the risk of contracting Lyme disease. It is normal to develop a small red lump at the site of the tick bite, which usually heals on its own and is not a sign of Lyme disease. If the tick transmits Lyme disease, initial symptoms will appear within 30 days (typically within a week).

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