AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is the advanced form of an infection called the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV. In 2008, approximately 2 million adults and children with AIDS died throughout the world, according to a report published by the World Health Organization. Patients with HIV should discuss disease management options with a doctor who can help slow the progression of symptoms of this disease to AIDS.
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
The lymph nodes are a part of the endocrine system that function to remove toxic pathogens from a patient's bloodstream. In patients with AIDS, immune cells, such as white blood cells, can collect within these nodes, causing them to swell. As a result, patients with this advanced infection can exhibit severely swollen lymph nodes. Swelling within the lymph nodes is typically painless and persists for longer than three months, health experts at the Mayo Clinic explain. Affected patients may notice swelling underneath the armpits or within the neck or groin.
Flu-like Symptoms
A variety of flu-like symptoms can arise in patients with AIDS. Such symptoms include severe fatigue, fever, night sweats, chills or headaches. Patients with fever can develop persistent symptoms that exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the Mayo Clinic warns. Severe fatigue can make it difficult for affected patients to participate in their usual activities or remain alert and active throughout the day. Recurrent night sweats can be disruptive during the night and can cause patients to frequently wake up drenched in sweat. Patients who develop any of these uncomfortable flu-like AIDS symptoms should seek additional care from a medical professional as these symptoms can be signs of alternate infections.
Recurrent Yeast Infections
Patients with AIDS have significantly damaged immune systems that are sensitive to recurrent infections. As a result, AIDS patients can experience persistent oral or vaginal yeast infections as a symptom of this disease, medical experts at Children's Hospital Boston explain. Symptoms of a yeast infection can include white, fuzzy oral skin lesions; skin itching or irritation; or thick, white vaginal discharge. AIDS patients who develop these symptoms should consult a doctor as antifungal treatment may be necessary to resolve symptoms.
Chronic Diarrhea and Stomach Upset
Chronic diarrhea or upset stomach symptoms can emerge as symptoms of the disease in patients with AIDS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports. Diarrhea results in frequent bowel movement urges that yield runny, watery stools and may be accompanied by abdominal bloating, pain or cramping. Additional stomach upset symptoms, including nausea or vomiting, may also occur, and can contribute to a decrease in appetite. Additionally, chronic diarrhea can be accompanied by significant weight loss or fever in certain AIDS patients--a symptom called wasting syndrome, explains AIDS.gov, an online HIV/AIDS resource.
Memory Loss or Poor Coordination
Patients with AIDS can exhibit memory loss or poor motor coordination as symptoms of this disease, according to health professionals at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Children's Hospital Boston. Affected patients can have difficulty remembering newly learned information or may appear unstable while standing walking. As the disease continues to progress, these symptoms of AIDS can become worse.
