Pain is a common symptom among people with HIV. Types of pain in HIV can include headaches, joint pain, and stomach cramps.
Similar symptoms can have a serious negative impact on the quality of human life. One study showed that people with HIV are more likely to experience pain than those with HIV negative status. The researchers also found that the pain associated with HIV enhances the symptoms of depression and functional impairment.
In this article we will discuss the causes, types and treatment pain associated with HIV, including some home remedies that can help.
Causes of pain in HIV
There are different causes of pain associated with HIV. The type, location and severity of pain can vary depending on many factors. To determine probable cause and develop a suitable treatment plan, it is important to consult with your doctor.
Some people living with HIV may experience short-term pain from secondary infections, injuries or surgery. Intermittent pain usually goes away as soon as the body recovers. But megacache experience chronic or long term pain. In one study, which was attended by 238 people diagnosed with HIV, 53 percent of participants reported chronic pain in the last 6 months.
Chronic pain in people living with HIV can be the result
- Direct effect of HIV on the body
- Nerve damage also known as peripheral neuropathy
- Cancer
- Opportunistic infections
- Lechayevich
The types of HIV-related pain
Pain associated with HIV can manifest itself in different ways. People with this diagnosis can experience pain as a result of action of the virus itself or as a side effect of HIV treatment and other medications.
People with uncontrolled HIV are at risk of developing secondary infections that can cause inflammation and painful symptoms. The types of pain are commonly experienced by HIV-positive people include:
- Headache. The pain can range from mild to severe, and manifest itself in the form of a strong pressure, voltage or ripple. Cause headaches can low levels of CD4 lymphocytes, infection or other diseases associated with HIV.
- Pain in the joints, muscles and bones. HIV can lead to arthritis and osteoporosis that can cause pain in the joints, muscles and bones. This kind of pain can also occur with aging.
- Pain in the abdomen. If you do not take medication, HIV can weaken the immune system making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. These infections sometimes occur in the gastrointestinal tract, causing painful symptoms and inflammation. Some treatments for HIV can also cause cramps in the abdomen.
Peripheral neuropathy
HIV may cause damage to peripheral nerves that may lead to neurological disorder known as peripheral neuropathy. If the disease is diagnosed in patients with HIV, doctors inodnesia their HIV neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurological complication in adults with HIV. According to one study, Mature age and Smoking increase the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. Some symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Numbness or pain in the hands and feet
- Muscle weakness in the hands and feet
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Increased sensitivity to pain
Therapy in HIV infection
There are many tools in the treatment of HIV infection. Doctors can prescribe medications to reduce the pain of HIV.
People living with HIV can also purchase over-the-counter drugs, but they should talk with their doctor before taking any new medicines. Drug-free treatment and home remedies can ease the condition. Below you will find a variety of treatment options.
Medicines for HIV
Some HIV medications can increase sensitivity to pain.
One of the first methods that is used by doctors in the treatment of painful symptoms is to either stop or reduce the dose of HIV medications. If this approach doesn’t work, your doctor may recommend medications soothing the pain prescription. Some options include:
- Opioids. This is the strongest form of painkillers that are only available by prescription. Opioids can cause side effects such as drowsiness, nausea and constipation. It is important to follow the doctor’s orders when taking opioids to prevent complications and overdose.
- Non-opioid drugs. Pharmacies available a large selection of non-opioid painkillers, over-the-counter as prescription. Common examples include acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Local pain relievers such as gels, creams or patches.
Non-drug therapy
Some people handle pain by using the following methods:
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT
- Visit grouppadding for chronic pain
Home remedies
Some home methods of suppression caused by HIV infection pain include:
- Relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises
- Applying hot and cold compresses
- Warm baths
- Regular physical activity
- Identifying and reducing causes of stress
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Quitting Smoking
Pain as a symptom of HIV
Pain is a common symptom of HIV, but each can be manifested in different ways. This symptom may be the result of the impact of the virus itself and complications of HIV and adverse effects of treatment of the virus.
The pain is treatable, but this requires an individual approach. Consult your doctor to it populariteit the cause of the pain and recommend a treatment plan. The plan may include refining current treatments for HIV or the appointment of painkillers.
Home remedies and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage also can relieve pain.