Aids: Symptoms and Treatment of Aids

Posted: Feb 21, 2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 120 | Bookmark and Share

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. If you get infected with HIV, your body will try to fight the infection. It will make "antibodies," special molecules to fight HIV. Many people are HIV-positive but don't get sick for many years. As HIV disease continues, it slowly wears down the immune system. Viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that usually don't cause any problems can make you very sick if your immune system is damaged. The virus, which is transmitted from one individual to another through the exchange of body fluids (such as blood or semen), attacks white blood cells, thereby causing the body to lose its capacity to ward off infection. As a result, many AIDS patients die of opportunistic infections that strike their debilitated bodies.

Symptoms of AIDS

Depression is one of the first symptoms of Aids, and of course, can be mistaken for the regular blahs or a temporary mood. However, depression is more profound than sadness and includes lethargy and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.

Diarrhea thrush or a bad taste in one's mouth and a white coating on the tongue or the gums, these problems occur because the body is no longer able to fight off minor infections and the patient is more vulnerable to microbes.

Rapid weight loss and lip dystrophy are symptoms of aids that affect the proper distribution of body fats. One's arms may be bony while there may be buildups of fat on the stomach or behind the neck. This happens because the HIV virus attacks the mitochondria, or the cells which digest fats.

Patients with AIDS have had their immune system depleted by HIV and are very susceptible to such opportunistic infections. Common symptoms are fevers, sweats (particularly at night), swollen glands, chills, weakness, and weight loss.

The symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of infections that do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. These are called opportunistic infections.

Respiratory Symptoms - Some of the most serious symptoms of HIV involve the respiratory system. Symptoms associated with breathing and respiration usually occur later in course of the disease. Unfortunately, many people's first symptom of HIV involves the respiratory system, illustrating why HIV testing is so important. Any cough or shortness of breath could be a sign of bacterial pneumonia or pneumocystis.

Treatment of AIDS

Antiretroviral treatment for HIV infection consists of drugs which work against HIV infection itself by slowing down the replication of HIV in the body. For antiretroviral treatment to be effective for a long time, it has been found that you need to take more than one antiretroviral drug at a time. This is what is known as Combination Therapy. The term Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is used to describe a combination of three or more anti-HIV drugs. This has been highly beneficial to many HIV-infected individuals since its introduction in 1996 when the protease inhibitor-based HAART initially became available. Current optimal HAART options consist of combinations (or "cocktails") consisting of at least three drugs belonging to at least two types, or "classes," of antiretroviral agents.

Prevention are based on avoiding exposure to the virus or, failing that, an antiretroviral treatment directly after a highly significant exposure, called post-exposure prophylaxis PEP has a very demanding four week schedule of dosage. It also has very unpleasant side effects including diarrhea, malaise, nausea and fatigue.

(ArticlesBase SC #338641)

Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    RSS
    Print
    Email
    Re-Publish

    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/aids-symptoms-and-treatment-of-aids-338641.html

    Article Tags:

    Aids

    ,

    hiv aids

    ,

    Aids Information

    ,

    Aids Virus

    ,

    Symptoms of Aids

    ,

    Treatment of Aids

    Healthy Look for HIV

    In this medicinal video learn about how some call it the modern-day scarlet letter - the facial wasting caused by AIDS medications. (01:34)

    Fighting HIV and AIDS: New Research

    In this health video learn how a new treatments for HIV and AIDS are allowing patients to live much longer, in one case up to 20 years longer than expected. (01:29)

    All about Drugs: Heroin

    Is it as addictive as they say it is? Find out the truth about heroin. (01:04)

    Learn About HIV and AIDS

    This short video gives an explanation of HIV, how it relates to AIDS, and dispels some misconceptions about contracting the virus. (01:41)

    How to Stock a First Aid Kit

    Children's Health care of Atlanta Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer, Keith May shows us what coaches and parents should have in their first aid kit and what to do in case of injury. (10:06)

    Many people are HIV-positive but don't get sick for many years. As HIV disease continues, it slowly wears down the immune system. Viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that usually don't cause any problems can make you very sick if your immune system is damaged. The virus, which is transmitted from one individual to another through the exchange of body fluids (such as blood or semen), attacks white blood cells, thereby causing the body to lose its capacity to ward off infection.

    By: Peter sams l Health > Wellness l Feb 21, 2008 l Views: 49

    The symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary, depending on the phase of infection. When first infected with HIV, you may have no symptoms at all, although it's more common to develop a brief flu-like illness two to six weeks after becoming infected.

    By: james sameul l Health > Diseases and Conditions l Jun 13, 2008 l Views: 729

    Aids infection and you may save your life then that will be endangered by the severe infection

    By: Bojan Jop l Health > Women's Health l Feb 11, 2010 l Views: 7

    HIV infection attacked a large part of the body

    By: Bojan Jop l Health > Diseases and Conditions l Feb 20, 2010 l Views: 16

    HIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus. Like all viruses, it must invade the cells of other organisms to survive and reproduce. HIV multiplies in the human immune system's CD4+ T cells and kills vast numbers of the cells it infects. The result is disease symptoms.

    By: peterhutch l Health l Apr 17, 2008 l Views: 29
    Drrao

    We are sure to completely cure hiv aids by herbal and natural things these are the batter and safe treatment for aids and all chronic disease

    By: Drrao l Health > Alternative Medicine l Oct 07, 2006 l Views: 22,766 l Comments: 9

    Aids is a very serious illness. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS may also spread by sharing drug needles or through contact with the blood of an infected person.

    By: Juliet Cohen l Health > Diseases and Conditions l Jan 23, 2008 l Views: 24

    One of the biggest obstacles to staying on track for fitness is losing motivation. People are just starting an exercise program can find themselves quickly tired of the same routine.That is why, most people would want the services of a fitness trainer in order to provide them the different portions of the fitness program in a more livelier style.

    By: tomer l Health > Wellness l Mar 18, 2010
    Sanjana Sharma

    Vibration exercise machine has become so popular and beneficial that even for the sports persons and celebrities, this equipment has now become a daily routine's workout.

    By: Sanjana Sharma l Health > Wellness l Mar 18, 2010

    Yoga practice should be more focused, balanced, and centered. You stand stronger and remain more grounded throughout the sequences. Other days can be less steady and more wobbly, constantly struggling to find your balance with each yoga position. The tree pose happens to be one of those yoga positions that can give a clear indication if you are going to have a strong practice or a wobbly one. It can appear as one of the simplest yoga positions but can be extremely challenging...

    By: Patresia Adams l Health > Wellness l Mar 18, 2010

    Yoga has become everyone's choice today. It is an extremely popular practice that has taken the whole world by storm. For those who are just beginning yoga classes, there are some important things you should know. It is important that you know when you are beginning yoga that you will need to start slow and ease your way into practicing the yoga positions. Make sure you choose the easier positions for beginners. Do not strain or push yourself to go farther than comfortable in the exercises or...

    By: Patresia Adams l Health > Wellness l Mar 18, 2010

    There are many advantages to taking part in Yoga, but unlike other exercises there are many different yoga poses to be learned which is why I have decided to tell you about some of the main ones so that you can learn this age old art of stretching to give yourself a better body, relaxation and improve your inner strength.

    By: Patresia Adams l Health > Wellness l Mar 18, 2010

    Hair is a striking element in many cultural definitions of fashion, youth and sexuality. So, it is not shocking that many cringe at the first sign of tapering hair. A large amount people lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair daily, with little impact. When hairs fall out naturally, fresh hairs grow in.

    By: dr. sarkozy l Health > Wellness l Mar 18, 2010

    Bedwetting is uncontrolled urination while asleep after the age at which bladder control would normally be estimated. Bedwetting be an matter that millions of family face each night. It is particularly common among young kids but can last into the teen years.

    By: dr. sarkozy l Health > Wellness l Mar 18, 2010

    Most people sweat when they exercise or exert themselves, are in a hot environment, or are nervous, anxious, or under stress. This type of sweating is both natural and vigorous. Sweating is usually only a minor irritation. The odor is probably more troublesome. For normal sweating and body odor, however, lifestyle and home treatments can effectively manage your symptoms. In some cases, a prescription antiperspirant or deodorant may be needed. Body odor can kill your confidence and can be disas

    By: dr. sarkozy l Health > Wellness l Mar 18, 2010

    Oily skin is shiny, thick and dull colored. Usually a chronically oily skin has boorish pores and pimples and other embarrassing blemishes. In this type of skin, the oil producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than is required.

    By: Peter sams l Beauty > Skin Care l Mar 08, 2008 l Views: 632

    Your skin mirrors your lifestyle. All men and women like healthy skin all age. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it is very must to keep it as healthy as your heart, lungs and liver.

    By: Peter sams l Beauty > Skin Care l Mar 08, 2008 l Views: 430

    Making the eyes come alive is a real art and like any good artist you will have to first leam the exacting techniques of accurate Brush work and careful color-blending.

    By: Peter sams l Beauty > Skin Care l Mar 08, 2008 l Views: 1,030

    Atypical Moles is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Atypical Moles may occur to the people at any age.

    By: Peter sams l Beauty > Skin Care l Mar 08, 2008 l Views: 1,825 l Comments: 1

    Beautiful hair must be shiny and healthy. Healthy, glossy, manageable hair reflects light and falls around the face beautifully, is the dream of every woman that is not so difficult to attain after all.

    By: Peter sams l Health > Hair Loss l Mar 08, 2008 l Views: 2,802

    Dry eye produces discomfort and reduces vision when the tear film becomes chronically table or unavailable thereby leading to dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea.

    By: Peter sams l Health > Diseases and Conditions l Mar 08, 2008 l Views: 892

    DANDRUF is a very common problem indeed, that of flakes falling from the scalp every time a person combshis/her hair or rubs the head. Dandruf is caused by a commonyeast cell pityresporen ovale which causes an inflammation of the scalp, making it shed flakes.

    By: Peter sams l Health > Hair Loss l Mar 08, 2008 l Views: 1,564

    Typhoid Fever disease is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi. It is a common diseasein the sub continent and affects all age groups. The poor hygiene conditions, open sanitation habits, flies, sale of exposed food, and illiteracy is responsible for this disease.

    By: Peter sams l Health > Diseases and Conditions l Mar 08, 2008 l Views: 3,158 l Comments: 1

    Add new Comment

     
    * Required fields
    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    1