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HIV/AIDS |
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AIDS
 Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Signs and Symptoms AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection, when the immune system is damaged. Without treatment, about half of those with HIV develop AIDS within 10 years, although the period between infection and development varies widely from one to 20 years.
Symptoms are caused by the deterioration of the immune system and the decline of CD4+ T cells that are the immune system's key infection fighters. As soon as HIV enters the body, it begins to destroy these cells. Some common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
- Dry cough
- Memory loss, depression and neurological disorders
- Pneumonia
- Profound, unexplained fatigue
- Rapid weight loss
- Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
- Red, brown, pink or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids
- Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin or neck
- White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
Symptoms of opportunistic infections common with AIDS include:
- Coma
- Coughing and shortness of breath
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Mental symptoms such as confusion and forgetfulness
- Nausea, abdominal cramps and vomiting
- Seizures and lack of coordination
- Severe, persistent diarrhea
- Severe headaches
- Vision loss
- Weight loss
See our patient education information on opportunistic infections associated with AIDS.
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007
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