AIDS Wasting Syndrome

There are many infections and diseases that have affected the human race and taken a toll. Some of these diseases are treatable, for some, there is ongoing research to find a way to cure them and also some others, where there is no treatment as yet and an early death is inevitable. One such lethal disease is AIDS, the acronym for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This is one of the deadliest diseases ever known to man and affects the entire human body system. The main causative factor for this disease is the presence of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in the body. This virus attacks the most vital system of the body - the immune system and plays havoc in the entire body. This virus enters the body through various means like sexual intercourse with an infected person, sharing the same needle (this practice is usually seen among drug addicts) and from an infected mother to her child. Once the virus enters the body, it remains dormant for about a couple of years after which it begins its task of affecting the person, slowly eating away his health.

AIDS Wasting Syndrome: A Brief Overview

As mentioned earlier, AIDS affects the immune system of the body, making the person susceptible to innumerable infections and diseases. The definition of this syndrome can be stated as, 'The involuntary loss of body weight by more than 10 percent, including more than 30 days of diarrhea, weakness or fever caused by HIV infection.' Hence AIDS wasting syndrome is an indication that the HIV infection has progressed into the incurable immune system disease - AIDS, where the condition cannot be reversed. In the AIDS or HIV wasting syndrome, the affected person suffers greatly as the body system begins to degenerate. The body loses approximately 10 percent of its muscle and fat mass, making the person leaner than normal. This muscle loss is involuntary and the person has no control over this physical degeneration.

AIDS wasting syndrome can be caused due to a number of factors like the body's inability to absorb the essential nutrients, increase in the metabolic rate, loss of appetite, depression and sometimes it can also be a result of the side effects of certain medications. Some other causes for this debilitating condition are eruption of sores in the mouth, esophageal ulcers, fluctuating hormonal levels. Opportunistic infections, which may occur due to the presence of pathogens like virus, fungal growth and bacteria in the body, can attack the body due to a weakened immune system.

AIDS Wasting Syndrome Symptoms

The symptoms seen are the advanced stages of HIV symptoms. The person may suffer from persistent high grade fever, which does not come down. Chronic diarrhea and dehydration are also observed. These disorders may take a longer time to get cured. Sometimes, they may even take up to a month to get relieved. Other early symptoms of HIV infection which may increase in severity is fatigue. The sufferer may feel completely drained out without an ounce of energy left in his body and may also appear lethargic.

Treating AIDS Wasting Syndrome

Though a complete cure for this life-threatening condition has not yet been discovered, certain treatment methods may bring down the severity of this disorder. The individual may be given appetizers to increase the appetite, antibiotics to treat infections and also to stop them from spreading. Drugs and medication are administered to increase the weight of the individual and also stabilize his condition. Nutritional supplements may also prove to be effective to help the person gain and maintain his body mass.

Research on the AIDS vaccine is still in progress but the scientists have not yet reached a conclusion to prove its effectiveness. Hence. it is always better to take precautions to prevent the spread of HIV, rather than regret it later. AIDS is a deteriorating health condition, where the affected individual may suffer a lot. Remember an AIDS patient requires compassionate care, and support to face the challenges of this disease.