About Allergies: HIV and Allergies

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, infects millions of people worldwide. Twenty years ago, having HIV was basically a death sentence. Today, there are a number of medications available to control the HIV virus, so people infected with HIV are living longer and are suffering from other diseases, including allergies. People with HIV are at a high risk of developing allergic rhinitis, asthma as well as drug allergies to HIV-related medications. This increased rate of allergic disease seems to be related to an immune system imbalance that occurs with HIV infection. Treatment of these allergic diseases in a person with HIV is much the same as for a person without HIV infection, but with a few important exceptions. HIV and Allergies When HIV was first recognized in the early- to mid-1980's, the infection rapidly progressed to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in most people who were infected. During the 1990's, the introduction of various antiviral medications has dramatically slowed or even prevented the progression of HIV infection to AIDS. People with HIV are living longer and are developing other chronic disease common to non-HIV infected people, such as various allergic diseases. See More About:  allergy  asthma  drug allergy Drug Allergy Reactions to medication are extremely common. In fact, 15-30% of all hospitalized patients will experience an unintended reaction as a result of medications. However, true allergic reactions to medications only occur in about 1 of 10 of all adverse drug reactions. See More About:  sulfa allergy  aspirin allergy  iv dye allergy All About Allergic Reactions I see patients in my clinic everyday who tell me that they've had an allergic reaction. However, this term means different things to different people. Most people will say that they experienced a skin rash, such as hives or tongue, lip or throat swelling, as part of their allergic reaction. Others say that their allergic reaction caused them to sneeze and have a runny nose, or have an asthma attack. The most serious form of allergic reactions is anaphylaxis, which involves a "whole body" allergic reaction, not just the skin, and can be life-threatening. See More About:  allergy symptoms  allergy diagnosis  allergy treatment Skin Allergies Discussion of the most common types of skin allergies, including hives, swelling, eczema and contact dermatitis. Other areas of skin allergies, including drug and medication allergies are also discussed. Allergies Ads Allergies Allergies and Hives Allergy Symptoms Skin Allergy Allergy Treatment Featured Articles Asthma and Lung Allergies Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Drug and Latex Allergies Insect Allergies   More from About.com Favorite Summer Frozen Drinks Blended with ice or chock full of fresh fruit, these yummy drinks will liven up any warm-weather gathering. More> Best Frozen Summer Desserts Ten easy, delicious, make-ahead desserts that will cool you down on the hottest of summer days. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement