AIDS
OPHILIA EGBEGBEDIA
COMPLICATIONS OF AIDS
There are sever complications with those who are infected with AIDS.
It destroys and kill the white blood cell in the body. This weakens
the immune system and makes it hard to fight off the illness.
Complications of AIDS include kidney failure, liver disfunction,
cancers, brain damage, anxiety, difficulty in walking, hair loss.
Why Do Complications Happen?
AIDS occurs when HIV has severely weakened the immune system —
especially by destroying CD4 (T-helper) cells. These are the cells
that help the body fight off bacteria, viruses, and other threats.
When CD4 levels drop very low (below 200 cells/mm³), the body
becomes vulnerable to many dangerous infections, cancers, and
illnesses. These are called opportunistic infections because they
take advantage of the body's weak immune defenses.
Certain Types of Cancer
AIDS increases the risk of some cancers, often called AIDS-related
cancers:
Kaposi’s Sarcoma – causes dark skin lesions and affects internal
organs
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a cancer of the lymph nodes
Invasive Cervical Cancer – more likely to occur in women with AIDS
Neurological Complications
HIV and AIDS can affect the brain and nervous system, especially if
untreated.
HIV-associated dementia (AIDS dementia complex) – memory loss,
confusion, trouble concentrating
Peripheral neuropathy – nerve pain, numbness, or tingling in hands
and feet
Seizures or coordination problems – in severe untreated cases
Wasting Syndrome
This is extreme weight loss, often with:
Chronic diarrhea
Muscle weakness
Fever
It occurs when the body can’t absorb nutrients due to repeated
infections or long-term illness.
Other Health Problems
People with AIDS may also experience:
Chronic diarrhea
Skin rashes or sores
Vision loss from infections
Kidney or liver problems
Frequent fevers and night sweats