Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease that is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This condition gradually brings down the overall efficiency of the immune system and makes it easier for infections and tumors to attack individuals.
A person is said to be affected with AIDS, when the HIV virus causes major cell damage and the individual finds it difficult it to fight against these infections without the help of medicines. A person can be diagnosed with AIDS even if he hasn’t contracted the entire infection or if the infection is at its developing stage.
Though there are many ways to slow down the speed of the infection, there is no proper cure for AIDS. Antiretroviral treatment, although expensive, can only reduce the speed of the virus that causes AIDS. It would be sensible on your part to know about the various symptoms of AIDS, as these can help you get an insight on the disease.
Symptoms of AIDS
Since the HIV virus attacks the human immune system, the symptoms are not restricted to one particular part of the human body. The immune system loses the power to fight against all infections; so the symptoms can be from any part or any organ system. In such cases, the HIV infection can also be mistaken for a common cold or a viral fever.
1. Initial Symptoms
The early symptoms of AIDS include fever, headache, nausea, weariness, diarrhea and any symptom that can be usually resolved in a few days. However in the case of HIV, it has to be taken care of and it is safe to get it tested to avoid further complications.
White blood cells play a vital role in fighting against infections and HIV attacks the WBCs, causing the white cell count to fall rapidly. This is when a number of new infections and diseases start emerging. Once when a person reaches this point, a person is said to be affected with HIV AIDS.
2. Advanced Symptoms of AIDS
- Weight Loss: The first and the most important symptom of AIDS is weight loss. The infected person will lose his weight rapidly and will start to look very weak. His body will get weaker to fight against the infections.
- Severe Cough: The affected person will start coughing very frequently and the type of cough will normally be dry.
- Fever: The fevers will be recurring in nature and the person will sweat profusely at nights.
- Tiredness and Fatigue: The person affected with HIV will fall sick very often and get tired. The fatigue in such individuals will mostly be unexplained.
3. Symptoms of the GI Tract
AIDS can have a profound effect on the gastrointestinal system and on the overall nutrition of the individual. Like all other types of viruses, HIV can cause symptoms that range from loss of appetite to diarrhea. In some cases, the diarrhea might also be due to the treatment given to slow down the progress of HIV. However, proper steps must be taken as this might also be due to the changes in the intestinal tract of the human body.
4. Neurological Symptoms
AIDS causes neurological as well as emotional symptoms in a human being. It can either be caused by the infection of a gradually weakened nervous system, or it can also be the direct impact of the illness itself. The symptoms include depression, an overall lack of sensation, and a scratchy or burning sensation in body parts such as legs, hands or face.
5. Symptoms of the Skin and Mucous Membranes
All the symptoms of AIDS are the results of infections caused by viruses or fungi. Apparently, these infections also damage the skin and mucous membranes of a human body as well. This causes skin rashes, lesions on the skin, patches on the tongue or gums that are mostly white in color, and hair loss.
6. Respiratory Symptoms
This is one of the most serious symptoms of AIDS as it involves the respiratory system. These symptoms usually occur during the later stages of the disease. Difficulty in breathing should be taken care of immediately as it can otherwise be fatal.
7. Other Symptoms
Other symptoms include tumors, emotional confusion, and changes in the level of consciousness, blindness and even cancer.
