What is a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction?
A Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (J-H reaction) is an exacerbation of a patient’s Lyme disease symptoms shortly after the introduction of an antibiotic. The antibiotic kills off or “lyses” the bacteria and when it does, bacteria release toxins into the patient’s system. This reaction is similar to that seen during treatment of the spirochetal illness, syphilis. Once antibiotics are introduced, a patient with a J-H reaction will actually feel worse before feeling better. Information on the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (commonly referred to by LD patients as a “Herx” or “Herxheimer”) can be found at: Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction and Lyme Disease – Links http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/lyme-links.
A Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (J-H reaction) is an exacerbation of a patient’s Lyme disease symptoms shortly after the introduction of an antibiotic. The antibiotic kills off or “lyses” the bacteria and when it does, bacteria release toxins into the patient’s system. This reaction is similar to that seen during treatment of the spirochetal illness, syphilis. Once antibiotics are introduced, a patient with a J-H reaction will actually feel worse before feeling better. Information on the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (commonly referred to by LD patients as a “Herx” or “Herxheimer”) can be found at: Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction and Lyme Disease – Links http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/…links.
