HIV treatment for human

Choosing a Healthcare Provider for Your HIV Treatment

2009-07-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

Choosing a Healthcare Provider for Your HIV Treatment

There are a number of things that you must consider when searching for the right healthcare provider for your HIV treatment. "Healthcare Provider" can mean a physician, a Nurse Practitioner, or a Physician's Assistant (Nurse Practitioners and Physician's Assistants are not doctors, but they have received extensive education and training and in most states they are allowed to treat patients with only a minimum amount of physician supervision). You and your provider must work together as a team- and remember, you are the most important member of that team. Take an active role in planning your healthcare by reading and learning all that you can about the disease; ask your healthcare provider for written information or read information on reputable web sites. I would suggest starting with the Ceters for Disease Control or your state's health department, and broaden your search by following the links on those sites. Work in partnership with your provider to make decisions about you health care - this will make it much easier for you to stick to your treatment plan and remain healthy.

If you are newly diagnosed with HIV, you are most likely feeling overwhelmed, and may tend to avoid and procrastinate when it comes to seeking treatment. These behaviours are understandable, but may also be detrimental to your health. Early treatment will help you to understand what is going on in your body, and will also allow your provider to assess whether or not you need life-saving medications immediately. It can prevent or delay the progression of your disease to AIDS and prevent you from getting sick. You will also need a place to turn for emotional support, information, and education. Early in treatment, you will receive information regarding preventing the spread of HIV infection, safer sexual practices, and needle exchange programs if you are an intravenous drug user. You will also be directed to a counsellor or your local Health Department to discuss notification of any sexual or needle-sharing partners of their possible exposure to HIV.

If you are relocating to a new city, you will want to research the healthcare options where you have moved, and make the best decision for continuing your care in a timely manner.

You may also want to change providers as time goes on. You always have the right to stop seeing a provider and change to another at any time, for any reason. If you don't like your provider or you feel uncomfortable with him or her, or if you feel that your health care needs are not being addressed or your ideas about your treatment are now different from your provider's, then it is time to search for another provider.

Following are some important things to consider when choosing a provider:

Training and Experience: HIV treatment is very complicated and changes quickly, and there are many things to consider at all stages of the disease. It is essential that you see an HIV specialist (someone who treats a significant number of HIV infected patients and who is certified as a specialist by the American Academy of HIV Medicine (http://www.aahivm.org/). Your provider must be committed to staying current and up-to-date with the field. Ask how many HIV patients the provider has treated, and how many they currently see. Ask if he or she has experience treating patients at all stages of the disease.

Availability: Ask the office staff how long it usually takes to get an appointment, or to reschedule an appointment if you have to cancel. Also inquire about being able to get an appointment quickly if you are sick or are having a problem. You can see a general internist for other primary care needs, but I would recommend that you search for an HIV specialist who is also willing to provide primary care services. Every time another provider treats you, there is the potential for a possible HIV-related problem to be overlooked, or for a medication to be prescribed that has interactions with your HIV medications. You also need to find out how easy it is to have your provider return phone calls to you when you have questions that cannot be answered by the nursing staff.

Office Staff and Environment: You will most likely have complex problems and issues that will require expert assistance from support staff such as nurses, insurance and billing specialists, mental health and substance abuse counsellors, social workers, and case managers. The support staff is there to help you to get the benefits and help that you need. Although your initial visit to the office will be frightening and intimidating, you should be able to come out of the visit with a feel for whether or not it is a good fit for you and will provide you with the services that you need and allow you to develop trust and confidence in your care.

The Patient-Provider Relationship: Your relationship with your provider is perhaps the most important aspect of your care. During the initial visit with the provider, you will be able to assess if you will be able to develop trust and confidence in the provider. Most people do not want a "canned" approach to their healthcare, where every patient must do the same thing. Remember, this is a partnership, not a dictatorship. Discuss your goals and ideas about treatment to make sure that the provider is willing to be somewhat flexible and adjust to your needs, while still providing you with high-quality care. You will get a feel for the provider's overall outlook and approach during this initial visit - is it optimistic and hopeful? In order for you to get the best care, you must be comfortable discussing anything with your provider. He/she must be comfortable and non-judgemental about sensitive lifestyle issues such as sexual practices and drug use, to name just a few.

These are just a few things to consider when making this all-important decision. Take your time, and do your research. Choose a provider who is well-qualified, but who will also respect and listen to you. Remember, this is all about YOU!!!!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurie_Engler

Human Growth Hormone - HGH to Reduce HIV Patients' Fat Deposits

2009-07-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

In recent times there have been multiple uses of Human Growth Hormone (HGH). This has led to its use in multiple applications in science and medicine. More recently it has been used and tested as a possible option in the treatment of HIV fat deposits.

HIV Treatment Side Effects

Studies have shown that HIV treatments have resulted in the unwanted side-effect of resulting fat deposits in the body. These fat deposits are called visceral fat, and greatly increase the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases in the body. The fat deposits are usually found in areas in the stomach, neck, and cheeks. The levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar also shoot up because of these fatty deposits hence the increase in risk of heart disease.

Testing HGH on Fatty Deposits

A study was therefore made with the help of small doses of HGH. An experiment was conducted with 55 patients who were HIV positive. These patients naturally had low levels of natural HGH, which is a common factor in HIV patients with abnormally high fat deposits.

The results of the experiment have shown a marked reduction in the fat buildup in the body, particularly in these problem areas enumerated earlier. The amount of reduction especially in the abdominal area amounted to as much as a 10% reduction. This means that there is less risk of cardiovascular disease for patients such as these.

Unwanted Side Effects for Diabetes Patients

However, for patients with diabetes problems there have been side-effects. The side-effects were most especially seen in the abnormal rise of blood sugar levels in the bodies of these patients. It was also noted that although there was a rise in the blood sugar levels, there was however a significant decrease in blood pressure. Another general side effect seen in higher levels of HGH dosage was some abnormal inflammation of both tissues and joints.

This experimentation with HGH and fat levels in the body has led scientists to believe that the treatment could be used only with patients who have normal blood sugar levels. Treatment using HGH cannot be applied to those with diabetes problems as it becomes too much of a health risk.

Further Research Required

Further research must be made, and other treatments secured as this application of HGH to fatty deposits is too limited in scope. This leads scientists to further experimentation on other possible treatments for the fatty deposits resulting from continued HIV treatments.

What the Future Holds

It is refreshing to note that Human Growth Hormone has now had some noteworthy practical applications, especially this treatment of fatty deposits in HIV patients. If only HGH was used in more constructive ways, then the stigma that comes with it and its' abuse can be lessened. Scientists have shown that HGH can be an asset in the continuing fight against HIV and the complications that result from it. We can only wish them all the luck in further experiments for the future.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_English

AIDS Treatment - HAART Method

2009-07-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

According to medical experts, HIV/AIDS can be the cause of the most dreadful epidemic mankind has ever witnessed. Human immunodeficiency virus is a sexually transmitted infection that does not have any cure till date. All the available treatment options for this disease are capable of suppressing the symptoms. Best among these treatment options is the one that suppresses AIDS-related symptoms for as long as possible. As per the recommendations made by a panel of leading AIDS specialists, highly active retroviral therapy or HAART is one such treatment option.

The basic objective of HAART method is to improve the life expectancy of a HIV-infected person by reducing the amount of virus present in the blood to very low or almost undetectable levels. This objective is achieved by means of administrating more than 2 different kinds of anti-retroviral drugs as a combination therapy. These anti-retroviral drugs are medications used for the treatment of infections caused by retroviruses like HIV. There are six different classes of antiretroviral drugs available in the market whose function is to act as potent inhibitors at different stages of HIV lifecycle and prevent the growth, replication and proliferation of the virus.

Combination of antiretroviral drugs belonging to different classes helps in creating multiple obstacles for the virus at each stage of its lifecycle thus reducing the ability of the virus to replicate. This strategy has also been effective against drug-resistant strains of HIV. Drug-resistant strains arise as a result of mutations occurring in the viral genome. The most favored combination of antiretroviral drugs in a HAART method is the triple-cocktail approach where two nucleoside-analogue RTIs and one non-nucleoside-analogue RTI or a protease inhibitor are used.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

Chronic Urticaria - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

2009-07-03T00:35:00.000-07:00

Urticaria, commonly known as "hives" typically develops as rash on the skin, accompanied by severe itching. Acute urticaria is of short duration, up to six weeks, and is usually caused by certain food products, medicines, insect bites and infections. This usually responds well to standard treatment like antihistamines.

Chronic urticaria is usually of much longer duration, and in most cases, the offending cause is not known. Standard modern medicine may not be very helpful here. It is in such patients that Ayurvedic herbal treatment may be very useful and effective. One major advantage of Ayurvedic herbal medicines in such an affliction is that medicines may be taken for long periods without any serious side-effects.

I shall now discuss the different types of urticaria, from the point of view of Ayurveda, and mention their Ayurvedic treatment in brief.

When disturbed "Vata" dosha is mainly responsible for causing urticaria, a pricking sensation is predominant, and this type of urticaria is called "Sheetapitta". When disturbed "Kapha" dosha is mainly responsible, itching is the predominant symptom, and this type of urticaria is called ""Udarda". Impurities are formed in the "Rakta" dhatu due to improperly induced emesis (vomiting) , and the resulting urticaria is termed as "Kotha". When this kotha becomes recurrent, it is termed as "Utkotha".

For the treatment of urticaria, application of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) oil and fomentation with hot water is beneficial. Induced vomiting and induced mild purgation are beneficial, where symptoms are severe, however, these procedures should be carried out by qualified and experienced physicians.

All efforts should be made to try to avoid the offending cause, if known. Soda bicarbonate powder mixed in warm water, when applied to the hives, gives immediate relief from itching. Ayurvedic medications containing Trikatu or Marich(Piper nigrum) and Turmeric (e.g. Haridrakhand Yog) are useful in controlling urticaria. Other products like Sameerpannag, Sutshekhar, Arogyavardhini, and Gandhak Rasayan are also very useful. Medicines like Kamdudha, Mukta and Gairik are useful in reducing the burning sensation associated with itching in urticaria.

Patients with chronic urticaria may not respond readily to the above mentioned treatment. A detailed history for the symptoms, and a detailed study of the constitutional framework of the patient is essential in deciding the ideal combination of medicines for each patient, so as to get maximum results. Treatment for the impurities caused in the "Rakta" Dhatu, and treatment for stress, are two important principles of treatment which contribute significantly to the success of treatment. Therefore, medicines like Sariva ( Hemidesmus indicus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) , Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) and Shankhpushpi (Consecora decussata) are useful in chronic urticaria. Ultimately, treatment has to be tailor-made for each patient having chronic urticaria.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abdulmubeen_Mundewadi

Miracle Cure For HIV?

2009-07-03T00:31:00.000-07:00

What if I told you that in the year 2004 there were 3,000 patients diagnosed with early onset HIV, and that each took a supplement of a rare mushroom extract, which mushroom only grows in the Himalaya's, and after taking this for 6 months all were found to have no traces of HIV infection?

Well, this study took place in Ghana, in Africa. Would you think that Jesus came back to perform another miracle? Or was it the very poor diet the people were used to?

It was neither.

Skip back 1,500 years ago when this rare mushroom was discovered by the Chinese to have very powerful curative properties and was used by rich merchants and the Royal Court in Peking although it cost 4 times it's weight in silver to buy it.

Increased stamina, longevity, cure for cancer, leukemia, heart disease, senility, improved libido, cirrhosis, liver function - the list goes on. Now we have over 300 clinical studies since then to tell us of miraculous cures for all types of serious illnesses - in a short space of time.

Hardly anyone knows of this health supplement and most health food shops don't stock it, for supplies were very sparse due to the small area this mushroom grew in. It is now possible to ferment this in a large laboratory in China and be exported by companies in the health foods industry with their own brand name on it.

Think of the market potential world-wide for this miracle supplement - it would render all other supplements obsolete at a stroke!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Dean

The Effects of Using "Cocktails" to Treat HIV-AIDS

2009-06-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

What are "cocktails" in the context of treating HIV/AIDS and how are they used? What are their side effects? If you know of someone with HIV/AIDS and want to know more about the side effects of using "cocktails" to treat HIV/AIDS, read on to learn more.

When people started dying from AZT treatments, many shied away from being treated at all. Then the "cocktails" appeared, with some positive results. But the results were only positive in as much as the T-cell count rose, and the viral load lowered. But the patients, who didn't feel so bad before the treatments, felt terrible while taking them.

Some decided that the side effects of the "cocktails" weren't worth it, and after they stopped taking them, began to feel much better. The side effects of the treatment soon became known as the "Cocktail Hangover."

The weight loss was another thing that caused some to discontinue the cocktails. The fusion inhibitors made many people take on a starved look, while the body fat just melted away. This is called "fat dystrophy". Once they quit the treatments, they found they regained weight. It's like saying - it's not your condition that will kill you, but the cure.

Doctors always try to balance the relationship between the benefits and the side effects of treatment. But it seems that down through the years, many wrong diagnoses have been made.

The cocktails contained a powerful combination of drugs that were supposed to knock the AIDS virus out. But the drugs contained in the "cocktails", wreaked havoc on people's bodies. One of the drugs, Intelence, caused simple disorders like rashes, nausea, and abdominal pain, but still, it was only one of the milder drugs in the make-up of the "cocktails."

Even as a "one-two punch", the combination "HAART'" (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) treatment is not a cure for AIDS. There are reverse transcriptase inhibitors that most of the time make up two drugs in the HAART treatment, and that restrain one of the enzymes that plays a crucial role in the early duplication process, in early stages of HIV infection. The drugs AZT, Virumune (nevirapine), and protease inhibitors, pack a powerful punch, but don't clear the infection. The "cocktail" DOES NOT cure AIDS.

Doctors are concerned now that the protein inhibitors may actually cause permanent alteration of the fat metabolism. The weight re-distribution factor is already seen, as patients experience a thinning in the face and limbs. Then as those areas thin out, the stomach, breasts, and neck swell up. Some of the fat gets placed into the back of their shoulders, causing what's known as a "buffalo hump". When these deposits appear in the belly, they call it "Crix Belly." Named after "Crixivan," another drug used in the war on AIDS.

Many patients today, after all the confusing information and experience have just decided to do their own research. They want to make up their own minds about whether or not to risk treatment. The side effects of the cocktail may be worse than where you are now. It's a hard decision that is totally in the hands of the individual.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_A_Santiago

Vitamins - a Vital Part of HIV Nutrition

2009-06-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

An integral part of any HIV treatment program should be aimed at drawing attention and stressing on nourishment. Highlight of that specific aimed should be emphasized on Vitamins for HIV. This is fundamental to help people with HIV to improve and perk up their general health and help them cope with the side effects of their treatment and rehabilitation.

HIV patients often lack specific vitamins including Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, E, and folate. Vitamins A, B, and E are effective in strengthening the immune system of a person, which is very much vital for HIV patients because a strong immune system can resist the development of further complication and infection.

Foods rich in Vitamin B1 include meat, liver, nuts and grains; while beans, vegetable and banana are rich in Vitamin B6. Eating soy products will provide supply of Vitamin B12. It is a common knowledge that citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables are loaded with Vitamin C. This is one of the most essential vitamins for HIV patients because of the well-known antioxidant accomplishment of Ascorbic Acid. It is effective in clearing out cell and tissue-damaging particles.

Other vitamins for HIV:

HIV And vitamin B12
Research has shown that HIV-positive individuals are most likely Vitamin B12 deficient.
As such, their bodies become more prone to infections. Vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to fatigue, neuropathy, depression, rashes, and anemia. On the other hand, taking an increased dosage of Vitamin B12 helps in the inhibition of lymphocytes and monocytes.

Vitamin A as a cure for HIV
Vitamin A and its food form, Beta-carotene help in boosting the formation of helpful body chemicals that fights off the ill effects of HIV. Therefore, people that are HIV-positive should make it a point to take increased dosage of Beta-carotene or Vitamin A. However, there are studies showing that certain HIV-positive patients produce some negative effects when subjected to high dosage of Vitamin A. Therefore, it is important that patients consult with their doctors first so that the actual benefits of Vitamin A are assessed right on.

Multivitamins as a Treatment for HIV
HIV is a condition that affects the entire body of a person. And since it attacks the body's immune system and doesn't have a cure yet, doctors have decided that aggressive nutrition is what's required. HIV-positive patients are required to take in substantial vitamins and minerals in their body to help in the fight against the ill effects of AIDS.

It is however crucial to note that excessive vitamin intake can also be harmful. Vitamins should only be taken in recommended dosages especially vitamins in pharmaceutical form like pill or syrup and not from natural sources. Vitamin deficiencies in HIV patients put them at a greater risk of HIV disease advancing to AIDS and later on become more intense which may lead them to death. Because of this, it has been emphasized that requirements of vitamins for HIV patients should be higher than the average requirement for normal and healthy persons.

Vitamin supplements can make up for deficiencies in vitamins of HIV patients. Intake of multivitamin supplements can provide positive effects in the condition of people living with HIV.

The author is the owner of http://www.vitaminbag.com.

For more information about Vitamins for HIV visit http://www.vitaminbag.com/treatment/hiv.aspx.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Pen

Medication For Aids

2009-06-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

A variety of medications is now available to combat the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) yet no single medicine to-date is effective when taken alone and none of them provide a cure. Combinations of HIV medications are valuable in controlling the amount of virus in the body as well as maintaining the health of the body's immune system.

The medications that are currently available come in 5 different classes and each works in a different way and oftentimes at different stages of the condition to limit HIV from multiplying. These core classes are Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs), Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs), Protease Inhibitors (PIs), entry inhibitors and integrase inhibitors.

NRTIs work to provide defective raw material to HIV as it tries to build replication systems in body cells. An example is Emtriva (emtricitabine). NNRTIs work to provide incorrect blueprints for HIV as it tries to order the replication process. An example is Sustiva (efavirenz). PIs work to provide defective parts to each new HIV as it is assembled. An example is Reyataz (atazanavir). Entry inhibitors work to prevent HIV from entering body cells. An example is Fuzeon (enfuvirtide). Integrase inhibitors work to prevent HIV that has already entered body cells from inserting code into body cell DNA. An example is Isentress (raltegravir).

Different combinations of medication from these classes make up the treatment regime known as Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART).

No single combination of medications in HAART has proven to be best for everyone and treatment benefit is often optimized from selecting a suitable combination after having compared the advantages and disadvantages of the medications within the classes involved. The most common class combinations prescribed at the beginning of HIV treatment are either an NNRTI in combination with two NRTIs or the combination of a PPI with two NRTIs. PPIs can act as boosters, increasing the power of the other medications in the treatment regime.

The choice of HAART regimen should be discussed in detail with the prescribing doctor and often hinges on several key issues that include how powerful the initial combination is, whether there is preservation of other future combinations should there be resistance to the initially chosen one, what side effects are likely to occur, how many pills need to be taken and how often these pills are to be taken.

High cholesterol and poorer blood sugar control have been known to result from taking different PIs, NRTIs and other HIV medications. The newer medications however, may be less likely to contribute to such problems. Most NRTIs also have been known to cause a build up of lactic acid that can result in nausea, vomiting and liver damage. Some NRTIs may damage the nervous system resulting in tingling, burning and numbness in the hands and feet. Many HIV medications cause diarrhea and stomach upset especially at the start of treatment. Depression, anxiety and unusual dreams have been known to occur with NNRTIs and other HIV medications although these usually do not last for long. An experienced HIV specialist is usually the best person to consult with should any unusual symptoms be experienced from taking HIV medication. It is useful to note that the majority of side effects encountered do not last beyond the first 2 months of starting treatment.

HAART medications are known to interact with a variety of other non-AIDS medications and such interactions should be discussed if other medications are concurrently taken. Medications in any HAART regime can also be costly especially if they are branded. Generics of such medications can be found in various countries and as they become more available, are a good means of reducing the cost of treatment. Generic AIDS medications often cost only a fraction of their branded counterparts.

An experienced HIV medication expert should be consulted and can be invaluable in facilitating the decision on initiating and maintaining a safe and cost-effective medication regime.

Sudesh Samuel is president and founder of the Institute for Medication Management. He is both a pharmacist and author specializing in the development of informational tools that center around patients being able to rely on safe, effective and low-cost medicines where necessary to manage health and well being. http://www.medicationreview.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sudesh_Samuel

HIV & AIDS - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment, an Update

2009-06-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

HIV infection is a medical condition characterized by a progressive deficiency in the immune system of the human body, caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Currently there is no cure for this condition. However, anti-retroviral therapy has succeeded in reducing the virus count to a bare minimum, and has helped the immune system to improve. This therapy has multiple side-effects, and over time, the virus starts multiplying, while the immune system fails gradually.

Some Ayurvedic physicians compare the symptoms of HIV/AIDS to those of "Kshaya" or "Oja-Kshaya" mentioned in Ayurveda. While Ayurvedic treatment may not show the initial dramatic improvement seen with modern drugs, this treatment still has a significant role to play in the long term management of HIV infection. Ayurvedic medicines reduce the virus count and improve the CD4/CD8 count, which are indicative of the modulated immune status of the body. Judicious use of Ayurvedic medicines may also increase the innate (basic) immunity of the body, improve weight and cause excretion of the HIV virus from the body.

Traditional Ayurvedic formulations can be effectively used to treat the opportunistic infections which are a hallmark of advanced HIV infection. Kutaj Ghana Vati, Sanjeevani Vati, Panchamrut Parpati and Kutaj Parpati are used to treat recurrent diarrhea. Arogya Vardhini, Triphala Guggulu, Mahamanjishthadi Ghan Vati, Praval and Kamdudha are useful in Herpes Zoster infection and also in other skin infections. Laxmi Narayan Rasa, Samshamani Vati and Laghu Sutshekhar are used in chronic fever. Chandanadi Vati, Shatadhout Ghrut,Yashtimadhuk Ghrut, Triphala and Chandan (Sandalwood ) powders are useful in recurrent oral and genital ulcers. Laghu Malini Vasant, Madhu Malini Vasant, Suvarna Malini Vasant, Suvarna Bhasma and Heerak Bhasma are used as "general tonics".

Herbal medicines which are useful in HIV infection are: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Pippali (Piper longum) and Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica). These medicines have anti-viral, immunomodulating and adaptogenic properties. Some of these increase body weight, yet others increase the "agni" of the body and therefore maintain cellular metabolism at an optimum level.

Patients with HIV infection need long-term or life-long treatment. Herbal medicines have the advantage of an impressive safety profile, and can therefore, be given for long periods without any significant side effects. Herbal medicines can be given independently, or as additional therapy to modern medicines. The current goal in HIV management of prolonging a healthy life at minimum risk and cost, can thus, be achieved admirably with herbal medicines.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 23 years and clinical research experience of 9 years. He has published his findings of herbal treatment of HIV / AIDS in 55 patients in the Bombay Hospital Journal, Mumbai, India, July 2005 issue.

He has also successfully completed a clinical trial of herbal extract medicines in Schizophrenia compared to modern anti-psychotics, in 200 patients. He has also conducted preliminary studies of Ayurvedic herbal extracts in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, Vascular Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Mental Retardation, Tobacco and Alcohol Addiction, Age Related Macular Degeneration and different types of Cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abdulmubeen_Mundewadi

What Are the Best HIV Treatments?

2009-06-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

There is still no known treatment that could cure HIV or AIDS today. Such diseases still remain as lethal as they were twenty years ago. Nevertheless, scientists, physicians and researchers have come up with several possible treatment plans that could improve the lives of those who have the disease. Indeed, these treatment programs do not rid the patient of the virus, but they make living with HIV significantly better.

The HIV or AIDS antiretroviral drug treatment is the main and most famous type of treatment for these patients. Again, this is not a cure. This drug treatment, could however, save patients from getting sick for years with HIV or AIDS. Since the immune system of a person is compromised with such diseases, they can easily get ill. Antiretroviral drug treatment can prevent this, as long as the individual religiously takes it for the rest of his or her life.

Basically, this drug treatment is aimed at keeping the amount of HIV within the body at very low levels. Without the proliferation of HIV, the immune system does not get weakened very fast and it is able to repair itself from damage. Without the drug, this could be impossible as the virus does not give the body time to heal itself. The known drugs involved in this treatment are antiretroviral drugs, anti-HIV drugs, anti-AIDS drugs and ARVs.

Another treatment plan considered to be most efficient is combination therapy. This HIV treatment involves taking two or more antiretroviral drugs at one time. On the other hand, a therapy program for a person who takes three or more HIV treatment drugs may be referred to as highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART.

When one starts with taking a single drug for HIV treatment, the virus may soon get resistant or immune to it. Consequently, the drug would stop working. By taking two or more drugs, the rate of resistance of the virus greatly goes down. This makes the therapy more effective for a longer period of time.

In the market today, there are twenty approved antiretroviral drugs. Unfortunately, not all of these drugs are licensed, authorized or available in every country. You may refer to your local health center to assist you in getting the right prescription available in your area.

Getting HIV treatment may be difficult. Even the program itself may not be as easy as you imagined. The first line of therapy which is the initial stage wherein you are given the antiretroviral drug may be effective for awhile. However, when the virus becomes resistant and the medicine stops working, you might experience unpleasant side effects. You will then be moved to the second line of therapy which would involve three or more drugs. Hopefully this stage would be better and would turn out more favorable results.

Your HIV treatment may put you through a significant amount of stress. Counseling is advised so that you can talk about the effects of the drugs to your body and your emotions. Having such a treatment may really be difficult. Just remember, in the long run you would be happier and healthier as compared to not getting treated at all.

15 million people contract STD's every single year. Are you one of the 1 in 4 people walking around with an STD and you don't even know it? We can help you identify if you have contracted one as well as the best HIV treatments. Come get your FREE REPORT on checking for and fixing any potential STD problem at http://www.STDChecker.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Purden