What is 'chronic Lyme disease' according to alternative practitioners?

Alternative practitioners use 'chronic Lyme disease' to describe symptoms they believe stem from a persistent Lyme infection, even when standard tests are negative.

Are private tests and treatments for chronic Lyme safe?

No, experts warn that private testing and treatment for chronic Lyme are largely unregulated and can carry serious health risks and financial exploitation.

What do medical experts say about the existence of chronic Lyme disease?

Most medical experts state there is no evidence to support the theory of a persistent Lyme bacteria infection after initial antibiotic treatment, which is central to the concept of chronic Lyme.

Home / Health / Chronic Lyme: The Controversial Illness Fueling a Wellness Industry

Chronic Lyme: The Controversial Illness Fueling a Wellness Industry

31 Jan

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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.