Various causes and ways to deal with diarrhea in HIV

HIV is a disease that damages the immune system. As a result, various infections can attack which makes the body susceptible to disease. One of the most common complications of HIV is diarrhea. Diarrhea in HIV can be a chronic condition that is quite severe and needs to be treated according to the cause.

Causes of diarrhea in people with HIV

When you have HIV, diarrhea can be caused by many things. Even diarrhea can also be an early symptom of HIV which is known as an acute HIV infection condition. Here are the various causes of diarrhea in HIV:

Gastrointestinal infection

Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Clostridium difficile, a diarrhea-causing bacteria, is ten times more likely to occur in HIV-positive people than in healthy people in general.

In addition, overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can also be a cause of diarrhea in people with HIV. Some of the organisms that cause diarrhea include:

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cryptosporidium
Microsporidia
Giardia lamblia
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAC)

The risk of infection increases when immune system function is weakened, which occurs in people with HIV.

Although rare, other possible causes include pancreatitis to certain sexually transmitted infections that can cause proctitis (inflammation of the lining of the rectum) or injury to the rectum and rectum.

Side effects of antiretroviral therapy

In people with HIV, diarrhea can be a side effect of antiretroviral drugs. Quoted from Verywellhealth, nearly 20 percent of HIV patients taking antiretroviral drugs will experience moderate to severe diarrhea. Ritonavir is one of the drugs that can cause diarrhea. This drug can damage the epithelial cells that line the intestines and cause fluid leakage, causing diarrhea.

Non-HIV drugs

Medicines other than antiretrovirals such as antibiotics can cause diarrhea in people with HIV. This is because antibiotics can kill certain bacteria in the intestines which are very important for maintaining a healthy digestive tract.

Apart from antibiotics, antacids containing magnesium can also cause diarrhea and even make the condition worse.

Opportunistic infections

Opportunistic infections are infections that occur due to a weakened immune system. As a result, bacteria, fungi, and viruses take the opportunity to easily infect the body.

Overcoming diarrhea in people with HIV

Treatment of diarrhea in people with HIV is carried out depending on the cause. Generally, HIV can be controlled with a healthy diet, including avoiding foods that trigger diarrhea. Here are some things that need to be done to treat diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids

When you have diarrhea, you will become dehydrated because your body continues to excrete fluids through frequent bowel movements. For that, you need to keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of fluids. Water, ginger tea, and also peppermint tea can be used as an alternative to fluids when you have diarrhea.

In addition, you can also make sports drinks that contain electrolytes. However, make sure to choose drinks that contain little or no sugar. Make sure to consume plenty of fluids between meals to avoid the accelerated movement of food through the intestines.

Sufficient nutritional needs

Eating a healthy diet can help boost your immune system. So that even though you have HIV, your body condition is still in good condition. Eat small portions and often to maintain digestive health. You can eat a variety of healthy foods such as yogurt, oatmeal, bananas, pasta, boiled eggs, white bread, biscuits, and boiled potatoes.

Take supplements

Supplements can be used as an alternative intake for people with HIV who experience diarrhea. Various supplements that are usually recommended for consumption are the amino acid L-glutamine, probiotics and acidophilus capsules, as well as soluble fiber products, such as Metamucil and other psyllium-based products.

Metamucil is often used to treat constipation, but it can also help treat diarrhea. This drug is able to absorb water and solidify food waste in the stomach which will move through the intestines and excreted through the anus.