A common problem
HIV compromises the immune system and may bring about opportunistic infections that cause numerous symptoms. It's conceivable also to encounter a variety of symptoms when the virus is sent. Some of these indications, like diarrhea, may even happen because of treatment.
Diarrhea is one of the most extensively recognized complications of HIV. It tends to be severe or mild, causing frequent loose stools. It can also be continuous (chronic). For those living with HIV, recognizing the reason for diarrhea can help decide the right medicines for long-term management and a more excellent life quality.
Causes of diarrhea in HIV
Diarrhea in HIV has numerous potential causes. It very well may be an early symptom of HIV, also called intense HIV contamination. As indicated by the Mayo Clinic, HIV produces flu-like symptoms, including diarrhea, within two transmission months. They may continue for half a month. Other symptoms of acute HIV infection include:
- Fever or chills
- Nausea
- Night sweats
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Rashes
- Swollen lymph nodes
Although these symptoms are like seasonal influenza, the difference is that an individual may still experience them even after taking over-the-counter influenza prescriptions.
Untreated diarrhea is particularly dangerous. It can prompt dehydration or other dangerous complications.
The initial transmission of the virus isn't the primary source of diarrhea with HIV. It's also a typical symptom of HIV prescriptions. Alongside diarrhea, these prescriptions can cause other reactions like nausea or stomach pain.
Antiretroviral medicines convey a risk of diarrhea, yet a few classes of antiretrovirals are bound to cause diarrhea.
The class with the best possibility of causing diarrhea is the protease inhibitor. Diarrhea is all the more frequently connected with older protease inhibitors, as lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) and fosamprenavir (Lexiva), than newer ones, as darunavir (Prezista) and atazanavir (Reyataz).
Anybody taking an antiretroviral who encounters lasting diarrhea should contact their healthcare provider.
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are normal in individuals with HIV. Diarrhea is the most common GI symptom, as per the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center. HIV-related GI issues that can prompt diarrhea include:
Intestinal infections
A few infections are exceptional to HIV, like the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Others, for example, Cryptosporidium, cause restricted diarrhea in individuals without HIV, yet might be chronic in individuals with HIV. Before, diarrhea from HIV was bound to be brought about by this kind of contamination. But, diarrhea that is not caused by intestinal infection has become more normal.
Bacterial overgrowth
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth is conceivable in individuals with HIV. Intestinal issues may make an individual with HIV bound to have an abundance of bacteria. This may prompt diarrhea and other digestive problems.
HIV enteropathy
HIV itself might be a pathogen that causes diarrhea. As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), an individual with HIV who has diarrhea for over a month is diagnosed with HIV enteropathy when no other reason is found.
Treatment options
If diarrhea stays a persistent issue while taking antiretroviral drugs, a healthcare provider may endorse an alternate medicine type. Do not quit taking HIV drugs except if directed by a healthcare provider. Forgo HIV drugs, and the virus may begin to recreate quicker in the body. Faster replication can prompt transformed copies of the virus, which can prompt medicine resistance.
Researchers have worked to make prescriptions to ease diarrhea. Crofelemer (in the past Fulyzaq, but now known by the brand name Mytesi) is an antidiarrheal prescription drug for treating noninfectious diarrhea. In 2012, the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) affirmed crofelemer to treat anti-HIV medicines' diarrhea.
Diarrhea may additionally be treated with home remedies and way of life changes, for example,
- Drinking all the more clear fluids
- Evading caffeine
- Ceasing from expending milk products
- Eating 20 grams or a more significant amount of soluble fiber every day
- Evading oily, spicy nourishments
If there is a hidden infection causing diarrhea, a healthcare provider will work to treat it. Do not begin taking any medicine to stop diarrhea without first conversing with a healthcare provider.
Seeking help for this symptom.
Addressing HIV-related diarrhea can improve the quality of life and comfort. But at the same time, it's imperative to remember that chronic diarrhea can be dangerous and should be treated at the earliest opportunity. Bloody diarrhea, or diarrhea with a fever, assures an immediate call to a healthcare provider.
How long does it last?
The duration of diarrhea in an individual with HIV relies upon its cause. That individual may only experience diarrhea as a part of an acute infection syndrome. Also, they may notice fewer episodes after half a month.
Diarrhea may clear up after changing to medicines that regularly don't cause this reaction. Making a specific method of life changes or taking prescriptions recommended to treat diarrhea may give prompt relief.
Another difficulty that may influence term of diarrhea is malnutrition. Individuals with chronic HIV who are malnourished may encounter worsened diarrhea. This issue is more normal in developing countries where hunger is an issue for individuals with and without HIV. One study estimated that nearly 100 percent, surprisingly with HIV in developing regions, have chronic diarrhea. A healthcare provider can determine if malnutrition is an issue and recommend dietary changes to correct it.