Lyme Disease is often misdiagnosed as other ailments or syndromes, but even with early diagnosis and treatment, some patients develop chronic symptoms. These symptoms can vary and may overlap with other conditions, including post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 in long hauler COVID patients. A percentage of patients with Lyme disease or Relapsing Fever Borreliosis also have co-infections or parasites, including Bartonella and Babesia infections. Other vector borne parasites can also resemble Lyme Disease or Morgellons Disease, including Leishmaniasis and Onchocerciasis. Chronic fatigue and pain are common symptoms of these infections, but some patients also exhibit skin symptoms or develop other chronic symptoms and/ or autoimmune disease following an acute infection.
Mold exposure or infections can trigger allergic reactions and may lead to fungal infections, mast cell activation and/ or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) in genetically susceptible individuals. Mycotoxin exposure can also make it more difficult to heal from Lyme Disease or other chronic infections/ viral reactivations, such as Staph, Strep, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) mononucleosis and Mycoplasma or C. pneumonia infections.
Environmental sensitivities and food allergies can be symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and can be driven by exposure to mycotoxins as well as other environmental toxins, infections or parasites. We offer conventional and natural treatments, as well as help guide environmental assessment and remediation efforts.
Many patients with a diagnosis of ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) meet criteria for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) from exposure to various biotoxins, including Lyme Disease and Mold Exposure. Although the condition can be multifactorial, some patients have genetic predispositions such as HLA susceptibilities, genetic SNPs or inherited connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Chronic pain and fatigue can also be symptoms of mold or mycotoxin exposure, as well as Lyme Disease or other chronic infections such as Bartonella, or Cat Scratch Fever. Many patients report improvement in these symptoms when addressing the underlying infections, toxins and environmental factors.
Autoimmune disease, thyroid and endocrine disorders can be influenced by predisposing genetic factors, as well as triggered by infections or toxins. Thyroid and endocrine disorders are often missed when relying on conventional lab assessments. A naturopathic approach can sometimes reveal underlying disorders in patients with chronic fatigue or immune dysfunction.
Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), presents as a sudden, seemingly inexplicable change in children. Accurate diagnosis, proper treatment and family support can make a profound difference for the child’s health and the well-being of the family.
Morgellons Disease (MD) is a controversial skin condition characterized by the presence of multicolored filaments in or projecting from skin or skin lesions. Recent investigations have determined that these filaments are formed from overproduction of cutaneous collagen and keratin resulting from a spirochetal skin infection, not implanted textile fibers like previous research had suggested. Morgellons Disease patients often report relief from anti-parasitics and antibiotic treatments, yet many are misdiagnosed as Delusions of Parasitosis, or dismissed by physicians.
Myiasis is the infection of a fly larva (maggot) in human tissue. This typically occurs in tropical and subtropical areas. Myiasis is rarely acquired in the United States; however we have seen cases of Myiasis, as well as other skin and GI parasites, in patients with Morgellons Disease.
