HIV
Alternate Names : Human Immunodeficiency Virus, AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
What are the treatments for the disease?
There are a number of medicines that effectively treat HIV. Over the past few years, combinations of certain drugs have been very promising in controlling HIV. Some of them are as follows:
antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or pentamidine
antifungal medicines, such as amphotericin B and flucytosine
antiparastic medicines, such as pyrimethamine
antiviral medicines, such as zidovudine, lamivudine, nevirapine, and ganciclovir
glucocorticoids, such as prednisone
protease inhibitors, such as indinavir
People who have HIV infection face significant health problems and stress. Following are some helpful interventions:
Eat a healthy diet, following the food guide pyramid.
Get plenty of rest and sleep.
Join support groups.
Take medicines to deal with emotional symptoms.
Use psychotherapy.
Use relaxation therapy and other stress management techniques.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Unfortunately, most HIV medicines have many side effects, depending on the drug being taken. Some more common side effects include:
diarrhea
nausea
rashes
vomiting
Some less common side effects are as follows:
changes in the brain and behavior
inflammation of the pancreas
kidney stones
What happens after treatment for the disease?
There is no cure for HIV infection at this time. The goal of treatment is to keep the virus under control with the hope of preventing further immune damage. Currently, a person must be treated for life.
How is the disease monitored?
Someone with HIV infection will have regular visits with the healthcare provider, along with periodic blood tests. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the provider.
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