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What are the potential long-term health issues that can arise if Lyme disease is left untreated?

Bella Hadid Hospitalized, Remains resilient in Battle against Lyme Disease

Understanding Lyme Disease: A Chronic Illness

Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, has become increasingly prevalent. Early symptoms can mimic the flu – fever, headache, fatigue – but if left untreated, it can lead to debilitating long-term health issues. Chronic Lyme disease, a controversial term used to describe persistent symptoms after initial treatment, affects many, including high-profile figures like Bella Hadid.Understanding Lyme disease symptoms, Lyme disease diagnosis, and Lyme disease treatment is crucial for both prevention and management.

Bella Hadid’s Lyme Disease Journey: Recent Hospitalization & Ongoing Struggles

Supermodel Bella Hadid has been open about her years-long battle with Lyme disease. Recent reports in September 2025 confirm Hadid was hospitalized, prompting renewed attention to her health and the challenges of living with a chronic illness. While details surrounding the specific reason for this latest hospitalization remain private, it underscores the unpredictable nature of chronic illness and the ongoing need for management.

Hadid first publicly revealed her diagnosis in 2012, and has since shared insights into the impact it has had on her life, including brain fog, fatigue, and debilitating joint pain.She’s become a vocal advocate for raising awareness about Lyme disease awareness and the importance of early detection.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease: Recognizing the Signs

Recognizing the symptoms of Lyme disease is the first step towards effective treatment. Symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection:

* Early Localized Lyme Disease (3-30 days after tick bite):

* Erythema Migrans (EM) rash: A characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash, though not everyone develops it.

* Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches.

* Early Disseminated Lyme Disease (days to weeks after infection):

* Multiple EM rashes.

* Severe headaches and neck stiffness.

* Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of the face).

* Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling.

* Late Disseminated Lyme Disease (months to years after infection):

* Chronic arthritis, particularly in the knees.

* Neurological problems: Nerve pain,shooting pains,numbness,and decreased cognitive function.

* Heart problems: Irregular heartbeat.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for lyme Disease

Lyme disease testing typically involves a two-tiered approach:

1. ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Screens for antibodies to the Lyme bacteria.
2. Western Blot: Confirms a positive ELISA result.

Though,lyme disease diagnosis can be challenging,as tests aren’t always accurate,especially in the early stages.

Lyme disease treatment usually involves:

* Antibiotics: Doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime axetil are commonly prescribed for early-stage Lyme disease.

* Long-term antibiotic therapy: The use of long-term antibiotics for chronic Lyme disease remains controversial, with differing opinions among medical professionals.

* Symptomatic treatment: Managing pain, fatigue, and other symptoms with medication and supportive therapies.

the controversy Surrounding Chronic Lyme Disease

The term “chronic Lyme disease” is often used to describe persistent symptoms after antibiotic treatment. The medical community is divided on whether these symptoms are due to a persistent infection or other underlying conditions.

* IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America): generally does not recognize chronic Lyme disease as a distinct entity, attributing persistent symptoms to post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).

* ILADS (international Lyme and Associated Diseases Society): Believes that some patients may have a persistent infection and advocates for more aggressive treatment protocols.

This debate highlights the need for further research and individualized treatment approaches.

Supporting Lyme Disease Research & Advocacy

Organizations like the Lyme Disease Association and the Bay Area Lyme Foundation are dedicated to funding research, raising awareness, and advocating for improved Lyme disease prevention and treatment. Supporting these organizations can definitely help advance our understanding of this complex illness