Chronic inflammation and an HIV-positive status do not sound like the ideal combination, and they definitely are not. However, more often than not, doctors often see patients with both conditions together. In this article, we will shed some light on why they are a terrible combination and how to control them.
An overview of chronic inflammation and HIV
Inflammation is a broad term referring to a process where the immune system is activated when a foreign threat is identified. The injured tissues in our body release the nuclear factor kappa-B, a protein that is responsible for triggering the necessary immune response. When that happens, immune cells, such as CD8, CD4, and T-cells, respond to the threat using chemical messengers, also known as cytokines, to “communicate” among themselves.
Some of the cytokines are pro-inflammatory, resulting in symptoms such as redness, a warm sensation at the injured spot, fever, pain, and changes in blood clotting. A healthy individual’s immune response is capable of deactivating itself when the foreign threat has been eliminated. However, if, for some reason, this de-activation does not happen, it may lead to chronic inflammation.
Hence, when our body faces a foreign threat, such as HIV, our inflammatory response works longer and harder. The issue with that is that the absence of certain measures because of the need to fight off inflammation can cause severe issues, such as organ damage.
Why is HIV associated with chronic inflammation?
Individuals who are HIV-positive are more susceptible to getting chronic inflammation due to the presence of the virus that keeps their immune system in a constate state of activation. Hence, the cells produce a significant amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines that prolong their inflammatory response.
HIV, today, is much easier to control, thanks to antiretroviral medications that can reduce the viral load effectively. That, however, does not reduce inflammation. In fact, HIV-positive individuals suffering from chronic inflammation might sometimes evolve to acquire AIDS.
So, how can HIV-positive individuals control inflammation?
Talking to a doctor should always be your primary response when handling HIV. However, there are a couple of fundamental steps you can take to control inflammation effectively.
Exercising and paying attention to your diet are two major essentials. Having lots of servings of vegetables and fruits is a good habit. Additionally, some light to moderate exercise a couple of times weekly helps to provide an anti-inflammatory response.
It is also vital to stop unhealthy vices, such as drinking and smoking. In addition, other anti-inflammatory approaches include maintaining and managing a healthy weight as well as controlling blood sugar levels. Of course, ensuring that you take precautionary measures to control your HIV infection is another obvious approach.
Conclusion
If you are sexually active or have multiple sexual partners, we recommend you go for STD testing. Visit an STD clinic in Singapore, like Elyon Clinic, to know your status or if you had like to know a little more about STD tests. HIV is a serious issue that can lead to severe consequences.
Here at Elyon Clinic, our team of professionals can consult you on preventing HIV, and the necessary treatment strategies should you test positive for the virus. For more information about our clinic and what we do, you may find them at https://elyonclinic.com.sg/.