Ayurvedic Name: Rakta Gata Vata
Description:
HIV is considered a chronic, degenerative condition in Ayurveda, often linked with a deep imbalance in the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. It is primarily seen as a result of Vata imbalance, causing Dourbalya (weakness) and Rukshata (dryness) in the body, along with Pitta’s excess heat, leading to inflammation and degeneration of tissues. The condition is also associated with Ama (toxins) accumulation due to weak digestion (mandagni), impairing the body’s natural immunity. Ayurveda treats HIV by restoring balance to the doshas, strengthening immunity, and detoxifying the body with herbs like Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Amla, and Tulsi to enhance vitality, fight infection, and reduce inflammation.
Signs & Symptoms:
Jwara (Fever): Recurring fevers often accompany HIV, particularly during the acute stage or during opportunistic infections.
Lymphadenopathy (Swollen Lymph Nodes): Swelling of the lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin.
Chronic Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea is common in the later stages of HIV infection, often due to opportunistic infections.
Cachexia (Weight Loss): Unexplained weight loss, muscle wasting, and poor appetite are typical of the advanced stages.
Dourbalya (Weakness): General weakness and fatigue are common as the body struggles to fight the infection and maintain normal function.
Diagnosis:
Clinical exam with history of risk factors, followed by HIV antibody testing or PCR to confirm infection.
Risk Factors:
1. Dietary Factors
Weak immune system: Poor nutrition, especially a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, can make the body more susceptible to infections like HIV.
Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of contracting HIV.
2. Lifestyle Factors
Unprotected sexual contact: Engaging in unprotected sex with an infected individual significantly increases the risk of contracting HIV.
Sharing needles: Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia increases the risk of transmitting HIV through contaminated blood.
3. Medical Conditions
Weakened immunity: Conditions like diabetes or cancer that compromise the immune system can increase the risk of HIV infection.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Having STIs increases the likelihood of acquiring HIV due to open sores or inflammation.
Complications:
Opportunistic Infections (Vishama Vayu) – HIV weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and fungal infections.
AIDS (Rakta Daurbalya) – If untreated, HIV progresses to AIDS, leading to severe immune system failure, increased vulnerability to infections, and potentially fatal conditions.
Neurological Complications (Shira Shoola) – HIV can affect the nervous system, causing neurological complications like HIV-associated dementia or neuropathy.
Cardiovascular Issues (Hridaya Vikruti) – HIV-infected individuals have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke, due to inflammation and damage to blood vessels.
Cancer (Kosha Vikruti) – People with HIV are at an increased risk of developing cancers such as Kaposi’s sarcoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma due to immunosuppression.
Epidemeology:
Affects approximately 38 million people globally, with sub-Saharan Africa being the region with the highest burden.
More common in individuals with high-risk behaviors, including unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, or sharing needles.
Higher rates are seen in men who have sex with men and in people with sexually transmitted infections.
Transmission is most common through sexual contact, though blood and mother-to-child transmission also play significant roles.