AIDS (autoimmune deficiency syndrome) is a condition in which the cells that defend the body called CD4 lymphocytes reach a level of 200 or lower. Symptoms of AIDS include night sweats, a dry cough, blurry vision, shortness of breath, chronic diarrhea and white spots on the tongue or mouth. AIDS is managed with antiretroviral medications. Unfortunately, AIDS can eventually lead to certain complications.
Kaposi Sarcoma
The American Cancer Society says that AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma is the most common type of Kaposi sarcoma that exists. It says that Kaposi sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops along the cells that line the blood and lymph vessels. This results in purple, brown or red patches on the skin. These lesions typically cause no other symptoms. However, Kaposi sarcoma can also lead to swelling in the groin, legs and skin surrounding the eyes. Sometimes, this cancer can even infiltrate the liver, lungs and digestive tract. Tumors within the digestive tract can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding while tumors in the lungs can lead to difficulty breathing.
The American Cancer Society says that the Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus, also known as human herpesvirus 8, causes this type of cancer.
Treatment for Kaposi sarcoma involves treating the AIDS patient with aggressive highly active antiretroviral (HAART) therapy. Topical treatment with such medications as alitretinoin and freezing the lesions with cryotherapy are other ways to manage Kaposi sarcoma. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are other ways to remove the kaposi sarcoma lesion.
Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP) refers to a type of fungal infection infiltrating the lung. According to MedlinePlus, PCP is most susceptible in people with weakened immune systems, such as of people who suffer from HIV and AIDS.
Symptoms of PCP include a fever, fast breathing, a cough and shortness of breath with activity.
A fungus called Pneumocystis carinii (Pneumocystis jiroveci) causes PCP.
Treatment for PCP includes getting intravenous (through the vein) or oral (by mouth) antifungal medications to eliminate PCP. Corticosteroids can also be used to manage PCP.
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus that can lead to such symptoms as night sweats, fatigue, a fever, muscle pain or stiffness, swollen glands and discomfort. Specifically, in people with a weakened immune system from such diseases as AIDS, CMV can lead to visual problems like blindness, pneumonia, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers and hepatitis (a liver infection that causes such symptoms as stomach pain, yellowing of the skin and fever). CMV can also cause brain inflammation, changes in behavior, seizures and a coma.
Unfortunately, the Mayo Clinic says that there is no cure for the CMV infection. However, antiviral medications may be used to prevent CMV from multiplying.
