ALTERNATIVE THERAPY SERIES NO: 15 AIDS

Kay Kay Healthcare Ltd.

AIDS


SYMPTOMS

The following are among the most common symptoms of AIDS:

• Long-terms fatigue you can’t explain.

• Swollen lymph nodes.

• A fever that lasts more than 10 days.

• Night sweats.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Purplish or discolored lesions on skin or mucous membrane that do not go away.

• Persistent, unexplained cough or sore throat.

• Shortness of breath.

• Persistent colds.

• Persistent severe diarrhea.

• Yeast infection.

• Easy bruising or bleeding that cannot be explained.

What is AIDS

For a person who has contracted the virus that causes AIDS, that long-term outlook is undeniably grim. But a diagnosis of AIDS should not be taken as an immediate death sentence. With proper care the AIDS sufferer can save off the worst symptoms and live a productive life for many years.

Acquire immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is not a single disease in itself. Rather, a severely impaired immune system leaves the AIDS sufferer highly susceptible to a whole host of infection and disease. AIDS is thought to be cause by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is spread through infected semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. HIV damages the body’s ability to produce adequate numbers of white blood cells called T cells, leaving it unable to fight off invading bacteria or viruses.

Symptoms differ widely from country to country and even from risk group to risk group. In the United states and Europe, AIDS suffers often develop Kaposi’s sarcoma (a rare form of skin cancer), pneumocystis pneumonia, and tuberculosis. In Africa, AIDS usually causes suffers to waste from fever, diarrhea, and a persistent cough. Developing any of the 28 or so disease and sets of symptoms associated with AIDS in the United States and testing positive for antibodies to HIV will almost certainly lead to a diagnosis of AIDS.

In most cases AIDS start with flulike symptoms that resemble mononucleosis. These may persist for two weeks to a few months after the virus enter the body.

After this first stage, symptoms may disappear for several years. How the AIDS patient takes care of himself or herself during this time is extremely important, because HIV is multiplying in the body, slowly at first and then rapidly. As the virus systematically destroys the cell that fight off infection, the immune system begins to fail and the patient becomes vulnerable to various illness and tumors. This stage is sometimes called ARC or AIDS-related complex. Full-blown AIDS-the stage in which serious infection begins to develop may not appear until 5 to 10 years after the onset of HIV infection. Death usually occurs 2 to 3 years later.

Doctors in the United States first recognized AIDS in 1981, but undiagnosed cases had begun showing up in 1979. Before that, AIDS probably existed in Africa and some Caribbean countries.

Although AIDS can strike anyone, it first occurred among homosexual and bisexual men who had many sexual partners. Because many of these men also used recreational drugs such as “poppers” (amyl nitrate), doctors thought at first that the drugs cause is disease. Eventually, research showed that AIDS transmitted via bodily fluids. That hypothesis was borne out when intravenous drugs users, heterosexuals, and people who got blood transfusion began to contract AIDS.

This most serious health crisis of our time has now reached epidemic levels. Worldwide, more than 14 million people are infected with HIV. In United State as many as 1.5 million people are thought to have the virus, and the number of AIDS cases doubles every year; in many U.S. cities, AIDS is the leading cause of death for adults 25 to 44 years old.

At greatest risks for AIDS are people who engaged in sex without using condoms and infants born to AIDS infected mothers. Also at great risk of male and female intravenous drugs user who share needles, and people who received blood transfusion or clotting factors between 1977 and 1985, prior to the establishment of standard AIDS screening of donated blood. Currently, as AIDS spreads through the heterosexual population, women make up the fastest growing group to infected people. In the United States, more than 80000 women between the age of 15 and 44 have contracted the virus.

The good news is the AIDS is preventable. Provided you are not at risk because of intravenous drugs use, you can avoid HIV through a monogamous relationship, or reduce the risk of infection by practicing safe sex which means, first and foremost, using condoms.

According to recent indicators, more people taking precaution. The national health and social life survey, which was published in 1995, found that nearly 3 in 10 Americans adults say they have dramatically altered their sexual behavior to lower the risk of contracting AIDS. This landmarks study of adult sexual behavior investigated the sex habits and attitudes of 150 million people. Results of the survey include :

• 29 percent reported using condoms more often.

• 26 percent said they likely to be monogamous.

• 25 percent they were choosing their partners more carefully or getting to know them better being intimate.

• 11 percent said they had decided to abstain from sex because they were afraid of contracting AIDS.

CAUSES

Scientists suspect that at least two viruses causes AIDS : HIV-1 AND HIV-2. Worldwide, the viruses infect equal numbers of people, but HIV-1 is much more prevent in north America.

Researchers don’t yet know precisely hoe HIV works, some asking whether in fact the viruses causes AIDS or merely shows up in conjunction with it. For some reason the immune system can’t detect HIV. The virus enter the body through small abrasions or cuts in mucous membranes in the mouth, vagina, or rectum and destroys T cells, so the immune system fails. Patient develop infections that eventually kill them.

AIDS is not a highly contagious diseases. The only way you can get it is to have unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner or to share tainted blood, which may occur through IV drug use or transfusions.

You can’t get AIDS from kissing. A protein in human saliva keeps the AIDS virus from infecting white blood cells. The protein attach itself to white blood cells and protects them from infection. The discovery may lead to new strategies for developing AIDS medicines, such as injecting this protein directly into bloodstream to keep the virus from attacking blood cells.

You also needn’t worry about catching AIDS if you live with someone who has it. HIV cannot be transmitted by toilet seats or objects handle by people who have AIDS. Nor will you get disease if you share food someone who is infected, because HIV dies very quickly once it is outside the body.

DIAGNOSTIC AND TEST PROCEDURES

Within a few weeks of infection, your body should be producing antibodies to the virus, which your doctor can detect in blood test. However, your may take as long as 35 months to produce detectable levels of antibodies, so if you think you’ve been infected, you should be tested for the disease every 6 months.

The first test you’ll be given is the ELISA, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This test is generally reliable, but a positive result should always be confirmed; the doctor may follow up with the western blot, a blood test that almost never gives a false positive reading.

Before deciding to have an AIDS test, make sure get advice from counselor. A positive test result for AIDS may cause you profound psychological distress. The counselor can help you deal with the anxiety, grief, and fear you’ll probably experience at first.

If you test positive, make sure your doctor gives you a complete workup to detect other sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhea, genital herpes, or syphilis.

It is extremely important that you notify your sexual partner of your diagnosis. They too must be tested and treated.


TREATMENT

Almost everyone who develops full- blown AIDS eventually succumbs to the disease, but antibiotic and antiviral drugs can prolong life for several years. In any event, you should never try to treat yourself for this life-threatening illness : always seek the advice of qualified practitioner. And beware of claims made for “miracle” cures. They simply don’t exist.

Currently there are several hundred human studies to test drugs treatment of AIDS and related condition. These include antiviral drugs, drugs that modify the immune system, anti-infective drugs, and anticancer drugs.

One study by the national institute of allergy and infectious disease (NIAID) has found that naturally produce protein may rebuild AIDS damaged immune systems. Called interleukin 2, the protein dramatically increased T cells counts in 6 out of 10 people who took it. However, it did not work for people with advance AIDS, and it also has severe side effects, including rash, nausea, diarrhea, and depression. Further studies on the protein are being conducted.

Another experimental treatment, now in use in franc, is passive immunotherapy. The therapy does not increase the life span of AIDS suffers, but it may keep them from getting as sick as they otherwise might. Patient with advance AIDS are injected with plasma from healthier HIV infected donors. Researchers hope the injection will bolster the advance patient’s immune system and them fight off diseases associated with AIDS. Initial results have been promising.

Although a numbers of vaccines to prevent AIDS are under investigation, scientists have had difficulty finding one that works. The theory is the injecting someone with the weakened form of the virus would spur that person’s immune system to mount huge attack against the HIV and build up resistance. Doctors are understandably reluctant to inject anyone with HIV, however fearing that even weakened virus might cause AIDS.

In related work, the team of researchers from NIAID has develop a vaccine with a “suicide-gene” that allows itself to killed off once is job is done. The weakened HIV carries an extra gene taken from the herpesvirus. Cells that become infected with HIV then can be selectively destroyed with ganciclovir, a herpes medicine. So far the vaccine has been examined only in the test tube. Animal and human trails are being planned.

CONVEMNTIONAL MEDICINE

The current treatment of choice for AIDS patients is the use of powerful antiviral drugs. These include Zidovudine, didanosine, and dideoxycyidine. None of these cures AIDS, but they may help stave off the worst symptoms of the disease for several years.

Zidovudine, known better by the trade name AZT is by far the most widely used and will probably be the first drug your doctor gives you. AZT slows down the virus by interfering with the way it goes about propagating itself. The problem with AZT is the virus often becomes resistant to it within a few years. AZT also produce side effects such as muscle wasting, hepatitis, dementia, and cancerous lymphomas.

Switching to another drug such as didanosine, will help temporarily, although this drug produces side effects such as diarrhea, never problems, and pancreatitis. Combining drugs is often the most helpful form of treatment.

ALTERNATIVE CHOICE

Combined with medical treatment, many alternative therapy can lengthen and improve the quality of the AIDS patients life. Studies demonstrate that many AIDS patients respond well to immune-bolstering nutritional programs. Patients also show marked improvement after using stress reduction techniques. Again, beware of any treatment that claims to be a “miracle” cure.

ACUPRESSURE

Your immune system may function more efficiently if you reduce stress in your life. One acupressure massage that seems to relived fatigue and tension is known as the shoulder well. Press call bladder 21, the highest point of the shoulder muscle midway between the outer tip of the shoulder and the spine.

ACUPUNCTURE

When combined with Chinese herbs, acupuncture seems to boost immune function and reduce symptoms of AIDS, including night sweats, fatigue, and digestive problem. Acupuncture may also help your body fight off secondary infection and eliminate lesions. Seek the advice of a qualified practitioner.

AROMATHERAPY

You may also reduce stress by inhaling the aromas of various oils, such as lavender. To heal lesions brought on by AIDS, aromatherapists recommend that you apply the antiviral oils of tea tree and garlic.

BODY WORK

Several studies indicate that that moderate exercise substantially increases immune system activity. In one study, aerobic training boosted immune cells in AIDS patients. Too much aerobic exercise can suppress immunity, however, so ask your doctor to recommend an exercise program for you.

CHINESE HERBS

Many Chinese herbs have been effective in treating symptoms of AIDS such as night sweats, fatigue, neuropathy, and diarrhea. Chinese herbs also may relive the side effect of some conventional drugs.

Tonic herbs to strengthen the system include Astragalus, Ganoderma, and asian ginseng. Licorice is thought to enhance the immune the immune system and inhibit the herpesvirus.

Trichosanthin , a protein in Chinese cucumber root, has been extracted to form Tricosantin, or compound Q, which seems to purify the bloodand ward off a variety of infections.

An extract of shiitake mushrooms has also been successfully used to treat AIDS symptoms.

HERBAL THERAPIES

Herbalists recommend several plant based medicine for boosting the immune system and strengthening the body. Echinacea increase immune system function by stimulating T cells, but it may not be as effective in treating AIDS because it stimulate HIV as well. Ask your doctor before trying it.

Garlic (Allium Sativum) has been used by AIDS patients for its antibacterial and antiviral properties and some studies have indicate that hyssop may be useful in treating kaposis sarcoma.

A promising herbal remedy is St.john’s-wort , which contains hypericin, a chemical that has been shown to inhibit the growth of the virus that causes one form of leukemia.

HOMEOPATHY

Besides seeking conventional treatment, you may also wish to consult a homeopathic physician, who will take your wish complete medical, emotional, and genealogical history and then help you make healthful changes in your life style. In addition many homeopathic remedies have been helpful in treating the symptoms of AIDS. Hypericum, a homeopathic drugs derived from St.john s-wort, is one remedy a homeopathy might prescribe.

HEAT THERAPY

Several studies have shown that HIV is sensitive to heat and becomes increasingly inactive as body temperature is raised above normal for extended periods of time. Raising body temperature stimulate the immune system In general by increasing production of antibodies and interferon a protein substance produce by virus invaded cells that prevents reproduction of the virus.

MIND/BODY MEDICINE

Many doctors and psychologist believe that there is vital relationship between your emotions and the way your immune system function negative emotions such as guilt, hopelessness, suppressed anger, and fear are common among AIDS patients and may suppress the bodys ability to fight off infection. Practitioner of body medicine believe you’ll be healthier and live longer if you can to maintain a positive attitude. Low moments are unavoidable and you should not chide yourself for having them; but do what you can to avoid dwelling on negative thoughts.

To help try relaxation techniques such as biofeedback, yoga, exercise, and meditation. massage

Therapy can improve your circulation and give you a greater sense of ease and well being. The massage should not be too fast or deep, however, or your adrenal system, which release powerful chemicals in response to real and imagined stress, could become overstimulated and challenge your immune system. Seek the advice of a license massage therapist.

Also, try joining a support group to help you deal with the anxiety you may be feeling. Sharing your fears and also your victories with others can be of enormous benefit. (see the Appendix.)

NUTRITION AND DIET

What you put into your body once you’re diagnosed with HIV may have profound effect on how long you live. With proper nutrition you can strengthen your body’s ability to fight the virus.

Avoid foods that impair the immune system. For example, there are indication that 100 grams of simple sugar such as honey or refined sugar can significantly decrease the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria and virus for up to five hours. The typical consumes about 150 grams sugar a day.

Stay away from alcohol and caffeine, which deplete the body of vitamins and minerals. And smoking heavily tends to increase suppressor T cells and decrease helper T cells (two types of immune cells that, in proper proportion, help keep the immune system in balance).

Eat more foods rich in beta carotene (see Vitamin -A), such as green, leafy vegetables and orange and yellow vegetables. If you develop candidiasis or other infection common with AIDS, you may want to increase consumption of garlic, which contains antibiotic allicin.

Take vitamin C supplements to boost your immune system. Some naturopaths and dietitians recommend taking vitamin C until it cause diarrhea then cutting back to the highest tolerable level; one approach is to take dosage every two hours. CAUTION : you should check with your doctor before trying this approach. ZINC also stimulate the immune system and antiviral.

AT-HOME REMEDIES

If you have HIV, you may stave off symptoms of AIDS if you :

• Eat nutritious, balance meals to bolster your immune system.

• Take vitamin supplements.

• Try acupressure exercise to relax.

• Take up meditation or yoga to relive stress.

• Try to maintain positive attitude.

• Don’t smoke or drink.

• Follow a moderate exercise program approved by your doctor.

If you have AIDS :

• Eat nutritious, balanced meals to bolster your immune system.

• Take vitamin supplements.

• Try acupressure exercise to relax.

• Take up meditation or yoga to relive stress.

• Try to maintained positive attitude.

• Follow a moderate exercise program approved by your doctor.

• Try inhaling or bathing with oils of tea tree and garlic.

• Ask a knowledgeable practitioner about herbs such as St.john’s-wort.


PREVENTION

• Condoms reduce the risk of HIV infection. Use latex condom with the spermicidal non-oxyol-9, which has been shown to kill HIV outside the body. Use condom for all type of sex, including oral, and vaginal. This is not necessary if you and your partner are monogamous and not infected.

• Don’t use oil based lubricants, which can eat through condoms.
• Learn the sexual history of a potential partner and ask about HIV test result.
• Don’t have sex with prostitutes.
• Don’t share a needle if you are use intravenous drugs; bleach needles to clean them.
• When in third world countries, carry a supply of disposable sterile needles in case you require medical injection.

• Get tested every six months if you’re in high risk group; your sexual partner should be test as well.

CAUTION

Seek help immediately if you think you have AIDS, and don’t fail to notify your sexual partner if you test positive for HIV. They too will require testing and possibly treatment. In some states the health department require that sexual partner be notified. Ask your doctor for advice.

DIET POINTERS

For AIDS patients, nutritionist recommend in particular that you :

• Reduce your consumption polyunsaturated and saturated fats and oils.

• Use monounsaturated oils (such as olive oil) and increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acid, which is found in fish but is also effective when obtain through supplements.

• Eat small portion throughout the day to optimize absorption of nutrients from foods.

• Eat balanced meal 65 percent complex carbohydrates, 15 percent protein, and 20 percent fat.

• Make sure fruits and vegetables are clean and free of parasites and bacteria by steaming them lightly before eating.

Eat wide variety of foods to help avoid become sensitized to specific food families.