Home / Health / Chronic Lyme: The Controversial Illness Fueling a Wellness Industry
Chronic Lyme: The Controversial Illness Fueling a Wellness Industry
31 Jan
Summary
- Chronic Lyme disease lacks recognition in conventional medicine.
- Unregulated private testing and treatments carry serious risks.
- A lucrative wellness industry exploits vulnerable patients' symptoms.
The term 'chronic Lyme disease' is used by some alternative practitioners to describe persistent symptoms attributed to a Lyme infection, though it is not recognized by conventional medicine. Celebrities have publicized their experiences, leading many to seek answers from this controversial diagnosis. Many patients described by this term have never tested positive for Lyme disease through regulator-approved methods.
Experts warn that the private testing and treatment industry for chronic Lyme is largely unregulated and carries significant risks. These practices can be costly, with some patients spending tens of thousands of dollars on unproven therapies. This lucrative industry preys on individuals seeking validation for their unexplained symptoms, which may often stem from other medical conditions.
Lyme disease, a recognized bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, is on the rise globally, with over 5,809 reported cases in Canada in 2024. While most cases are cured with early antibiotic treatment, some individuals experience persistent symptoms, known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). However, 'chronic Lyme' implies a persistent infection, a theory most medical experts reject due to a lack of evidence.
Some clinics offer unregulated out-of-country tests and treatments, ranging from hyperthermia to stem cell therapy, which have not been proven effective and can be dangerous. In one alarming case, a patient seeking treatment in Mexico experienced sepsis from a falsified intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, nearly costing her life. Many individuals diagnosed with chronic Lyme were later found to have other conditions like anxiety, depression, or fibromyalgia.
The lack of comprehensive healthcare and empathy for those with mysterious chronic illnesses drives many toward the unregulated chronic Lyme industry. Increased research into chronic illnesses and greater physician understanding are crucial to support these patients and prevent exploitation by the wellness industry.
