Human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV, causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Wasting syndrome is a complication of HIV infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies wasting syndrome as an AIDS-defining illness. Wasting syndrome is a sign that HIV infection has progressed into AIDS. HIV-positive patients taking anti-retroviral drugs may still experience wasting syndrome.
Definition
According to the AIDS website, wasting syndrome is the involuntary loss of more than 10 percent of body weight, including more than 30 days of diarrhea, weakness or fever caused by HIV infection. Other diseases such as cancer cachexia and tuberculosis cause muscle wasting similar to AIDS wasting syndrome.
Causes
Several factors cause AIDS wasting syndrome. According to the AIDS website, patients with HIV experience appetite loss, which leads to reduced food consumption and weight loss. Patients also experience changes in taste and tingling in the mouth that may decrease appetite. Sores in the mouth and esophagus make chewing and swallowing painful, which leads to food avoidance. HIV may cause opportunistic infections in the intestines leading to loss of appetite and severe diarrhea. Opportunistic infections may also interfere with food digestion and nutrient absorption. HIV also changes hormone levels in the body that affects the processing and metabolism of food.
Treatment
According to the AIDS website, AIDS wasting syndrome treatment involves treatment of the underlying causes. Patients who experience loss of appetite may be treated with Megace and Marinol. These two drugs increase appetite. Antibiotics are used to treat intestinal infections that interfere with absorption of nutrients. Anti-fungal drugs are used to treat sores in the mouth and esophagus. Human growth hormone, testosterone and anabolic steroids may be used to increase weight and lean body mass. Patients may also benefit from nutritional supplements such as Ensure and Boost.
Resistance Exercises
According to the AIDS website, patients experiencing weight loss and loss of lean body mass due to AIDS wasting syndrome may benefit from resistance exercises. Resistance exercises, also known as weight training, add density and bulk to the muscles in the body and are useful to patients who have lost weight and muscle mass due to HIV infection. According to The Body, aerobic exercises are not recommended for patients experiencing AIDS wasting syndrome. Aerobic exercises such as swimming, walking and jogging lead to further weight loss.
Nutritional Supplements
The AIDS website states AIDS patients suffering from wasting syndrome may benefit from nutritional supplements such as Ensure and Advera.
