The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a progressive infection that causes immune system degradation. As of 2010, there is no cure for HIV, although medications are available to help control symptoms of HIV. Gastrointestinal symptoms of an HIV infection are common and can be uncomfortable.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the most common gastrointestinal symptom experienced by people with an HIV infection. In fact, health professionals at the University of California-San Francisco report that up to 14 percent of people with HIV who do not require hospitalization develop diarrhea. Additionally, approximately half of HIV-infected people who are hospitalized experience diarrhea as a symptom of infection.
Nausea and Vomiting
People with HIV also commonly experience nausea and vomiting, according to a November 2008 article in the "International Journal of STD and AIDS." Nausea and vomiting can be uncomfortable and typically contribute to a decrease in appetite in people with HIV. A persistent decrease in appetite can result in significant weight loss in affected people.
Stomach Pain
Stomach pain also is a gastrointestinal symptom of an HIV infection, explains Dr. Anne Monroe in The Body, an online informational resource for HIV and AIDS. People who develop stomach pain due to HIV infection typically also experience diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. Additionally, stomach pain may cause loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss in people with HIV.
Sore Throat or Difficulty Swallowing
AN HIV infection can cause throat soreness or difficulty swallowing in affected people. These symptoms, which are referred to as odynophagia and dysphagia, respectively, can cause appetite loss or eating difficulties. Throat symptoms can persist for several months before resolving, and can reappear recurrently throughout an affected person's life.
