Children at Special Risk for Lyme Disease: Symptoms may be attributed to a host of other reasons, says Dr. Paul Stallone.

Anyone can have a difficult journey with Lyme disease (LD), which can affect anyone at any age, from the onset of symptoms and diagnosis to treatment. However, unlike adults, younger people are less likely to seek out professional help or even know what is wrong with their bodies. One reason LD can be hard to diagnosis in young adults is difficulty describing what they are going through. If a teen keeps complaining of fatigue, their parents may think they just need to go to bed earlier; or if they complain of joint pain, the parent may ascribe it to normal growing pains.

The wide range of physical, mental and behavioral symptoms caused by LD vary in severity and can come and go. Any experienced physician knows the hallmark of LD is that symptoms are ever-changing, but most adolescents have no idea. This can be extremely frustrating to anyone, but even more so in minors that rely on parents to make them feel better.

Any child experiencing headaches, sore throat, swollen glands, fatigue, joint/muscle pain, stiff neck, and/or low-grade fever should consult with a Lyme experienced physician immediately.  The longer symptoms go unchecked, the more damage their fragile bodies can sustain. Some parents may have a hard time recognizing these symptoms when their child is young. Parents may even blame puberty or developmental stages like the “terrible twos”.

If detected early enough, treatment has a high success rate with the many modalities utilized in the treatment of LD. Nutritional intravenous therapies, intravenous major auto-hemotherapy with ozone and homeopathic remedies are all important tailored therapies to which LD patients respond very well. Biofeedback is priceless when treating any infectious or autoimmune disease. Performed by the right naturopathic physician, it can alert the practitioner to burdens that are hindering the immune system. Many doctors feel this is indispensable to treatment, and children respond exceptionally well to this approach.

Some parents may not want to believe their son or daughter could have a condition as serious as LD, but children and teens are especially vulnerable because they play close to the ground in leaves and on grass. They also cuddle more with pets that could be carrying ticks from outside. Denying a child has LD only worsens their prognosis, and treatment should be initiated as soon as possible to avoid further harm. The longer LD goes untreated, the more parts of the body can be affected. Any child that has been diagnosed or is suffering from chronic unexplainable symptoms should consult with a naturopathic physician immediately.

Paul Stallone, NMD, founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center, located at 8144 E. Cactus Rd., Ste. 820, in Scottsdale. Dr. Stallone combines natural/alternative/conventional treatments to best fit and benefit each individual patient’s needs. For more information visit DrStallone.com or phone at 480-214-3922.