Oral Conditions Of Hiv Disease
It’s estimated that 90% of people with HIV will develop at least one oral condition related to HIV disease. These conditions, like candidiasis and hairy leukoplakia, may be the first sign of immune suppression linked to HIV infection and in many people are the first signals that lead doctors to encourage HIV testing. Most show up as lesions or sores and can be categorized into four types: abnormal cell growth, bacterial, viral and fungal.
The most common oral conditions of HIV infection are discussed below, but many others exist. In fact, at least 40 conditions have been recorded, so it’s important to pay attention to changes in your oral health.
People With Hiv And Mouth Sores
Mouth problems that are related to HIV can be pretty unbearable. In most cases, it affects your appetite as it causes difficulty in chewing and swallowing. Its essential to have yourself checked as it might affect your HIV treatments and medication. Furthermore, it might result in malnutrition as you will struggle to get enough nutrients to keep your immunity in a great state.
Top 5 Early Hiv Symptoms In Mouth To Be Aware Of
Posted By Claudia on Jul 7, 2021 |
Contents
Dental care is one of the vital things to pay attention to if a person is diagnosed with HIV. This is because people with the human immunodeficiency virus are more vulnerable to mouth sores and dental infections. Some of the early HIV symptoms in mouth are canker sores, dry mouth, gingivitis, and thrush. Do you know someone living with HIV/AIDS? to know more about the dental health care that they should prioritize.
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Treatment For Hiv Mouth Sores
There are a number of ways that doctors may treat mouth sores caused by HIV or an HIV-related condition. For example, fungal and bacterial infections that cause mouth sores can often be treated with prescription pills. Mild sores, such as most canker sores, may be treated with a prescription mouthwash containing corticosteroids.
Persistent mouth sores, such as warts, may require minor surgical procedures such as cryotherapy for removal. With serious infections and diseases, more aggressive treatments may be used to attack the condition rather than just treat the symptoms. For example, treatments for oral cancer may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
Sores On Or Near Your Mouth
Oral herpes. Many conditions can cause sores on or near your mouth, whether or not you have HIV. But if you have HIV and sores on your lips or inside your mouth, thereâs a good chance the herpes simplex virus is causing them.
HSV infections are common in people who have HIV. Thatâs because the herpes virus — which was likely in the body long before HIV — âwakes upâ as HIV attacks the immune system.
Two types of herpes simplex virus cause sores. HSV-1 typically causes sores on or near the mouth. HSV-2 usually causes sores on or near the genitals.
Hereâs what you should know about oral herpes:
- Sores may be clear, pink, red, yellow, or gray.
- Itâs very contagious right before and during an outbreak.
- Some infections are resistant to treatment.
- Treatment-resistant viruses can cause worse symptoms.
- Longstanding, severe HSV sores may be an early symptom of AIDS.
Prescription antiviral drugs can help sores heal faster and make outbreaks less frequent.
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Dry Mouth: An Overview
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which your salivary glands dont produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. This is a common side effect of certain medications and aging issues and cancer radiation therapy.
Dry mouth is more commonly caused by a condition that affects the salivary glands directly. Saliva protects teeth from decay by neutralizing bacterias acids, inhibiting bacterial development, and washing away food particles. It also improves your sense of taste and makes chewing and swallowing simpler. It also contains enzymes that help digestion.
Treatment For Dry Mouth
The purpose of dry mouth therapy is to:
- Manage opportunistic infections and any underlying conditions causing your mouth to dry up.
- Increase the flow of saliva.
Treatment for dry mouth usually entails several steps.
First, your doctor will go through your prescriptions to see if theyre the source of your dry mouth. You might be able to switch to a different medication instead.
If not, you can try these steps to ease dry mouth:
- Avoid decongestants and antihistamines when possible.
- Sip water before swallowing capsules or tablets. The water moistens your mouth.
- Take medication in the morning, not at night. Dry mouth at night is more likely to cause mouth problems such as cavities.
- Try easy-to-swallow formulas, such as liquids. Avoid under-the-tongue forms.
If you think a prescription medication is causing your dry mouth, dont just stop taking it. Talk to your healthcare provider first.
Researchers are continuing to work on ways to repair damaged salivary glands. Theyre also developing an artificial salivary gland that can be implanted into the body.
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How Is Oral Hairy Leukoplakia Diagnosed
Oral hairy leukoplakia patches are easy to identify. Healthcare providers can often diagnose it from a physical exam alone. Oral candidiasis, or thrush, can be similar in appearance. However, your healthcare provider can often remove thrush growths on the tongue. This helps your healthcare provider to tell the difference between the two conditions.
A biopsy of one of the patches can confirm the diagnosis. But, this test usually isnt done unless the patches look unusual, or if they suspect cancer or another rare condition.
What Are Hiv Mouth Sores
Mouth sores are one of the most common symptoms of human immunodeficiency virus . This symptom is more likely to occur at later stages of infection, including symptomatic HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome . It can also be a symptom of an infection developed as a result of HIV weakening the immune system or a side effect from antiretroviral therapy. In many cases, HIV mouth sores can be treated.
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Other Oral Conditions Of Hiv Disease
The two most common conditions that may not be caused by an infection include dry mouth and small round mouth sores, called aphthous ulcers.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common condition in HIV disease that may have a variety of causes. HIV disease itself may cause dry mouth because HIV-related salivary disease causes swollen salivary glands . That, in turn, reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth. A dry mouth is also a side effect of some anti-HIV drugs and other medicines like antihistamines and antidepressants. Allergies and infections may also cause dry mouth.
Though it may not seem serious, leaving dry mouth untreated may lead to problems. Without enough saliva, food can build up in the mouth, between the teeth and gums and promote tooth decay, periodontal disease and candidiasis. Furthermore, a lower flow of saliva can cause high acid levels to persist long after eating. This can wear out the enamel on the teeth leaving them more susceptible to cavities and other problems. It is common for people with dry mouth to undergo a large number of cavities, so it’s important to visit your dentist regularly if you have dry mouth.
Aphthous Ulcers
Hiv Symptoms In The Mouth
The best way to make sure that the treatments succeed is by taking them as early as possible. So how will you know if you are at risk? By knowing the early signs of HIV. In most cases, the symptoms will appear in the mouth, you will notice significant changes in your oral health, and you should take those as signs to get tested. Below are the common HIV symptoms associated with oral health.
Oral Warts
Oral warts are not directly due to HIV. Since HIV makes the immunity weak, an individual will also be susceptible to human papillomavirus. And because of HPV, HIV positives will most likely develop oral warts. Luckily, oral warts can be removed by dentists. But if the warts are not bothering you at all, no treatment may be a viable option since they disappear within two years. However, beware, as in some cases, neglected warts can spread as well.
Oral Hairy Leukoplakia
Hairy leukoplakia mainly takes place due to a weakened immune system. Just like oral warts, this is due to another virus called the Epstein-Barr virus. In this condition, you will most likely notice your mouth having white patches here and there. The patches might also have hair growths. Unfortunately, these patches can cause you pain and total discomfort. It can be surgically removed, but the best way to prevent it from occurring is by avoiding smoking and proper oral hygiene.
Canker sores
Gum Disease
Oral Thrush
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A Sexually Transmitted Infection
Katie Salerno/Flickr Creative Commons
If you have a sexually transmitted infection , there is a chance you may have HIV as well.
Some STIs like syphilis and herpes cause open sores that make it easier for HIV to get inside the body.
STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia cause inflammation in the genitals that attract the immune cells that HIV likes to target and infect.
Having syphilis can increase your risk of HIV by as much as 500%. Other STIs can also raise your risk for HIV. You should be tested for HIV if you test positive for any STI.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Aids
Having an infection with the HIV virus does not automatically mean that the patient has AIDS. As the HIV virus infects more and more CD4 cells and makes more copies of itself, the patients immune system gets overwhelmed and begins to falter. When the immune system breaks down due to HIV infection, opportunistic infections like fungal infections, pneumonias, and cancers can occur. When this level of HIV infection occurs, it is called AIDS .
Some of the signs and symptoms of progression of HIV to AIDS are:
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Hiv Symptoms In Mouth: What You Need To Know
by yapmt_admin848 | Mar 4, 2022 | HIV/AIDS |
HIV symptoms in the mouth can be difficult to detect, especially if you are unaware of what to look for. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common symptoms of HIV in the mouth. Knowing what to look for is essential to get treatment as soon as possible. If you experience any of these symptoms, please see a doctor immediately!
- HIV mouth sores
- HIV treatment complications
When Do The Early Signs And Symptoms Of Hiv Appear
HIV early signs and symptoms may appear after about 2-6 weeks after exposure to the virus. In most patients, the symptoms gradually resolve over a few weeks some patients have mild or no symptoms. Later in the disease process , stages 2 and 3. The early symptoms reoccur and become more severe.
Some HIV-related infections are more severe in women . These later Stage 3 or AIDS symptoms may also begin, and include:
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Stage : Acute Hiv Infection
Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, about two-thirds of people will have a flu-like illness. This is the bodys natural response to HIV infection.
Flu-like symptoms can include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. But some people do not have any symptoms at all during this early stage of HIV.
Dont assume you have HIV just because you have any of these symptomsthey can be similar to those caused by other illnesses. But if you think you may have been exposed to HIV, get an HIV test.
Heres what to do:
Taking Care Of Yourself
Because of the increased risk for oral problems, it is especially important for people living with HIV to take good care of their mouths. Proper dental care is needed to keep teeth and gums healthy. Basic guidelines for good oral health suggest that you:
- Develop a good home care routine brush two to three times daily and floss once a day
- Use a toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride
- See the dentist every six months or more often if the dentist suggests it
- Avoid smoking, using tobacco products, and street drugs
- Eat a healthy diet
Most common oral conditions linked to HIV can be treated. If you notice any problems, it is important to talk with your health care provider or dentist about what treatment might work for you. Remember, with the right treatment, your mouth can feel better. And that is a very important step toward living well with HIV.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Hiv/aids On The Tongue And Mouth
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HIV/AIDS ON THE TONGUE AND MOUTH
AIDS-It is an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome which is caused by a virus known as HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS or simply HIV.
HIV-positive patient may show a variety of symptoms but todays article touches on the signs and symptoms of HIV infection on the tongue and mouth.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HIV/AIDS ON THE TONGUE AND MOUTH ARE
1. An infected persons mouth can become very dry from time to time.
2. Due to the lack of good saliva production, the teeth of an HIV-positive person may be at risk of decay as one of the functions of saliva includes dental protection.
3. Having various sores in the mouth, on the tongue and around the lips.
4. Frequent Mouth Fungus Infections which are known as thrush or Candidiasis.
5. Frequent sores accompanied with Fever, although this problem can disappear completely after the patient is on ARVs.
6. The patient suffers from inflammation of the gums which is accompanied by pain especially when eating something.
7. The skin of the gums becomes stained with a color that is similar to purple.
8. Growing things like hair or strings on the Patients Tongue.
9. The upper roof of the mouth has white patches.
REMEMBER One of the first places to show the symptoms of AIDS as well as HIV infection is the MOUTH AND TONGUE.
So if you notice these symptoms go to the hospital early for further tests and examinations.
WAYS THAT A PERSON CAN GET HIV INFECTIONS INCLUDING
Unsafe sex
Stage : Clinical Latency
In this stage, the virus still multiplies, but at very low levels. People in this stage may not feel sick or have any symptoms. This stage is also called chronic HIV infection.
Without HIV treatment, people can stay in this stage for 10 or 15 years, but some move through this stage faster.
If you take HIV medicine exactly as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load, you can live and long and healthy life and will not transmit HIV to your HIV-negative partners through sex.
But if your viral load is detectable, you can transmit HIV during this stage, even when you have no symptoms. Its important to see your health care provider regularly to get your viral load checked.
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Some Of Its Symptoms Are As Follows:
- Fever and chills
- Severe pain in the muscles
- Numbing and burning sensations
As mentioned, there are treatment options available in the market today to address oral herpes. Other than using topical creams, there are drugs you can take to minimize its hostile effects. These drugs are in the form of valacyclovir and acyclovir.
Symptoms Specific To Men
It’s important to note that these male-specific symptoms can also be signs of other conditions. If you have any of these, make sure to speak with your doctor.
Low sex drive. This is a sign of hypogonadism, which means your testicles donât make enough of the sex hormone testosterone. This condition is tied to HIV.Hypogonadism can also cause:
- Breast tissue growth
Sores on the . A common sign of HIV is painful open sores, or ulcers on your mouth or esophagus. They can also appear on your or . These sores often keep coming back.
Pain or burning while peeing. In most cases, this is a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection like gonorrhea or chlamydia. It may signal swelling of the prostate, a small gland beneath the bladder. This condition is called prostatitis. Itâs sometimes caused by a bacterial infection.
Other symptoms of prostatitis include:
- Peeing more often than usual
- Cloudy or bloody pee
- Lower back, abdomen, or groin pain
There are other symptoms that aren’t exclusive to men but are important to keep an eye on.
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Getting Tested For Hiv
HIV testing is important. Someone living with HIV who isnt getting treatment can still transmit the virus, even if they have no symptoms. Others may pass the virus to others through an exchange of bodily fluids. But todays treatment can effectively eliminate the risk of transmitting the virus to a persons HIV-negative sexual partners.
According to the CDC , antiretroviral therapy can lead to viral suppression. When someone with HIV can maintain an undetectable viral load, they cant transmit HIV to others. The CDC defines an undetectable viral load as fewer than 200 copies per milliliter of blood.
Taking an HIV test is the only way to determine whether the virus is in the body. There are known risk factors that increase a persons chance of contracting HIV. For example, people whove had sex without a condom or shared needles may want to consider seeing their healthcare professional about getting tested.
What Is Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV is a blood-borne virus, a member of the Retroviridae family that can be transmitted by sexual intercourse, intravenous drug materials contaminated by the virus, mother-to-child during birth or breastfeeding and cause immunodeficiency in the person infected. Diagnosis is done by having a positive lab test for HIV. There is no cure for HIV but antiretroviral treatment can control the virus so patients can live long and healthy lives.
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