AIDS Treatment & Management

When HIV infection progresses to AIDS, the focus of treatment shifts from keeping the immune system healthy to the prevention of opportunistic infections. AIDS treatment and management often addresses concerns that aren't generally present with basic HIV infection.

Antiretroviral Medication

• Antiretroviral medications are used to combat the HIV virus in both HIV and AIDS patients. Treatment begins as soon as the immune system becomes depressed and continues even after the infection progresses to AIDS.

Opportunistic Infections

• Opportunistic infections are a much larger concern when HIV infection progresses into AIDS because the immune system is often too weak to combat the infections effectively. Numerous infections, such as pneumocystis pneumonia, mycobacterium avian complex and Kaposi's sarcoma, may have to be treated after a person develops AIDS.

Prophylactic Treatment

• Powerful antibiotics are often given to AIDS patients in prophylactic form, meaning they are given even before infection develops as a means to prevent opportunistic infections.

Palliative Care

• It can be difficult to treat the infections and other health problems that occur with AIDS. When the disease and its complications become terminal, hospice or other home health care may be chosen to help make the patient as comfortable as possible before the end of his life.

End-of-Life Decisions

• A number of important decisions must be made when an HIV-positive individual develops full-blown AIDS. Funeral arrangements, a living will and whether the patient wants to be resuscitated should all be discussed while he is still able to make medical decisions.