Therapies for AIDS

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by a virus known as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). HIV invades the body's immune cells, reproducing until the cells burst. As the immune system becomes weakened, opportunistic infections, such as pneumonia and rare cancers, develop due to the body's inability to fight them off. Though there is no cure for HIV infection or AIDS, doctors and patients use a number of therapies to combat the virus and strengthen the immune system.

Anti-retroviral Drug Therapy

• Anti-retroviral drugs, also known as ARV drugs, combat the virus directly to kill the virus and prevent it from entering immune cells. ARV medications work in different ways, with some blocking the production of proteins that HIV needs to reproduce while others block HIV from entering immune cells. Anti-retroviral drugs must be taken every day without missing a dose to remain effective.

Combination Therapy and HAART

• Combination therapy is the use of two or more anti-retroviral drugs at one time to combat HIV infection. When a combination therapy involves three or more types of ARV drugs it is referred to as "Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy," or "HAART." If one combination of anti-retroviral drugs becomes ineffective due to missed doses, alternate combinations can be used for treatment.

Herbal Therapy

• Herbal therapy strengthens the immune system against HIV infection and prevents some of the side effects that are often associated with ARV and HAART treatments. Commonly used herbs include aloe vera, echinacea, ginseng and licorice. St. Johns Wort is another popular option, though it can have negative interactions with certain types of anti-retroviral medications and therefore is not recommended. In states that allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes, HIV and AIDS patients may receive a cannabis prescription to fight pain and to stimulate the appetite.

Homeopathy

• Homeopathic treatment uses specific vitamins, minerals and other substances, such as herbs and plant materials, in very small, highly-diluted doses to treat sickness and other conditions. The basic concept of homeopathy is that "like cures like," meaning that substances which would cause symptoms in a healthy person can strengthen the immune system against these symptoms in a sick individual. Homeopathy is a controversial form of treatment due to its use of substances which may cause sickness and the belief by some that the substances are too diluted to have an effect at all. Many users of homeopathic remedies do see a decrease in symptoms and ARV side effects, however. Homeopathic treatment regimens are unique to the individual and should only be used under the care of a homeopathic specialist.

Accupuncture and Accupressure

• Both accupuncture and accupressure therapy rely on manipulating the flow of natural energy by applying pressure or inserting thin needles into specific points in the body. These therapeutic options are often used to relieve HIV symptoms, such as pain, fatigue and neuropathy (severe tingling or pain in the extremities.) Accupuncture and accupressure may also be used to strengthen the immune system.

Nutritional Therapy

• Nutritional therapy uses certain foods and nutritional supplements to keep the body strong and to boost the immune system. Both HIV infection and anti-retroviral treatment can result in loss of appetite and symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea, so keeping the body hydrated and replacing lost nutrients are essential to maintaining the health of the patient. Nutritionists create diet and supplement plans to make sure that their patients are getting the nutritional support that they need.

Other Therapy Options

• Body therapies, such as chiropractic medicine and massage therapy, are used to combat the fatigue often associated with HIV and AIDS and help boost the immune system as well. Other therapeutic options, such as yoga and mind-body therapy, are also used to help boost the body's ability to fight infection and avoid pain and wasting.