HIV/AIDS Life Expectancy

Before the commencement of what is globally known as antiretroviral therapy, there hasn’t been any significant development for HIV treatment. Prior to the advancement in the medical industry, the planet has recorded thousands of deaths involving the aforementioned infection. Thankfully, in the year 1995, the first use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was introduced. This breakthrough in the industry allowed millions of individuals to prevent fatality with the usage of these medications. This followed the acceleration and better life expectancy percentage for individuals suffering the effects of the infection.

The availability of ART opened doors for the proper care and treatment to patients who have been undergoing series of hospitalizations because of HIV. After a careful prescription and accurate consumption of every dosage, people can now live longer. These medications alleviate not just the symptoms involved but also make the disease less infective.

The emergence of ART brought about easy access to appropriate medical care. After careful studies and extensive researches, antiretroviral therapy was popularized and became the go-to medication for HIV-induced conditions.

On the assumption that a specific person does not take ARV drugs in line with ART, the infection can severely damage the body, and it can even advance to AIDS. If this happens, the life expectancy rate becomes lesser – potentially to only 3 years. Additionally, the 3 years could still go low and become months since AIDS can conceivably destroy your immunity.

It explains the reason why individuals with HIV should observe ART at best and follow the directives coming from a healthcare professional while the infection hasn’t progressed yet. Failure to do so will only make the condition worse and could seriously invite other severe medical dilemmas.

Chronic Health Complications

Once treatment is not being observed, the infection (HIV) could drive someone to experience severe and hostile health complications. Note that the infection works fast inside the body, so failure to prevent it can impair not just the immune system but also the whole-body functions.

One of the major health complications brought about by HIV is opportunistic infections. These include:

• Tuberculosis – a major infection of the lungs
• Pneumonia – an inflammation involving the lungs
• Neurological conditions – involving disorders of the brain and spinal cord
• Salmonella – an infection of the intestinal system
• HSV (herpes simplex virus) – include oral and genital herpes
• Other intestinal infections, such as gastric disorders and diarrhea
• Other infections of the lungs, such as bronchitis, pharyngitis, and sinusitis
• Fungal infections
• Eye infection (Cytomegalovirus)
• Lymph nodes cancer (Lymphoma)
• Unexplained weight loss (may involve extreme weakness, fever, and recurrent diarrhea)

Among the aforementioned disorders, one of these is considered the major triggering factor of AIDS and deaths – tuberculosis. When the disease progresses, it becomes difficult to treat it. However, with the availability of ART, an individual can still be saved. Note that these opportunistic diseases can still be prevented, if and only if an individual wishes to follow the rule of ART and consume its medications strictly. Other than that, the individual must still be able to receive medical advises and other treatment to make sure that he/she recovers well in the process. Furthermore, as much as possible, avoid having unprotected sex which can only make things worse.

Treatment for HIV

With the proper management of ART, treatment is considered a progressive one for those who undergo HIV effects. If you haven’t known yet, ART also involves the usage of mixed antiretroviral drugs, which carry out an easier consumption of the medications. For your convenience, we list the name of drug classifications under this specific therapy. Consider the following:

• NRTIs (Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors)
• NNRTIs (Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors)
• PIs (Protease Inhibitors)
• INIs (Integrase Inhibitors)
• Entry Inhibitors

All these groups have their own functions, but in general, they share the same goal – to alleviate the effects of HIV and prevent it from further spreading inside the body.

Other than the presence of the aforementioned medications, it is also necessary to follow a proper food menu and daily physical activities. This way, it becomes easier to battle HIV and live much longer. Furthermore, do not forget to consume and ingest your medicines mirroring the directions provided to you by the healthcare professional.