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Cannabis Can Effectively Treat A Multitude Of HIV/AIDS Symptoms

Cannabis Can Effectively Treat A Multitude Of HIV/AIDS Symptoms

Health

Cannabis Can Effectively Treat A Multitude Of HIV/AIDS Symptoms

We’ll give you the rundown on the condition, typical treatment methods, and cannabis’s ability to effectively treat a multitude of HIV/AIDS symptoms.

Cannabis For HIV/AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that causes infection and, over time, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a disease which interferes with and weakens the immune system. According to the CDC, an estimated 1.2 million people have HIV, and 1/8th of those afflicted are unaware they have the disease. We’ll give you the rundown on the condition, typical treatment methods, and cannabis’s ability to effectively treat a multitude of HIV/AIDS symptoms.

HIV/AIDS Explained

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s “T cells,” which are integral fighters for your body’s immune system. As the virus destroys more and more T-cells, the body’s immune system becomes progressively weaker. In this weakened state, the body can become unable to fight off infections, diseases, or cancers that would be otherwise thwarted by a healthy person’s immune system.

If left untreated, HIV can become so advanced that it progresses to AIDS, which is the final stage of HIV infection. Patients with AIDS are extremely vulnerable to infection and require close monitoring by medical professionals. With treatment, HIV sufferers can live a full life without ever progressing to this stage; however, HIV can only be managed, not cured.

Cannabis Can Effectively Treat A Multitude Of HIV/AIDS Symptoms

HIV is primarily spread through unprotected sex, blood transfusions, or hypodermic needles. As such, condom use and needle exchange programs are important components of keeping yourself safe and HIV-free.

HIV is often difficult to notice upon infection, and can go undetected for years until the disease has progressed to a far more dangerous stage. That makes getting regularly tested imperative: find a service center near you.

Traditional Treatment

Because there is no cure or effective vaccine for HIV, treatment revolves around slowing the progression of the disease and combating opportunistic infections acquired as a result of HIV. For treatment of the illness itself, antiviral medications are often prescribed, and adverse side effects vary based on the particular drug used. Additionally, medication is often taken preemptively to stave off tuberculosis, hepatitis A and B, and other opportunistic infections. Fortunately, advances in medicine have transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a chronic one in many parts of the world.

Cannabis for HIV-related Pain

With HIV comes neuropathic pain, or pain brought on by the way in which the disease affects the nerves. This type of pain is particularly difficult to treat, with only ~50% of people who experience it receiving relief from treatment. Fortunately, researchers have found cannabis to be effective in treating HIV-related neuropathic pain. In the study, one group of patients were given marijuana cigarettes, and the other placebo cigarettes. The marijuana treatment was twice as effective in reducing daily pain compared to placebo, relieving pain by 34%.

A similar study was conducted in 2009 which also compared smoked cannabis to placebo for a group of subjects with neuropathic pain brought on by HIV. Researchers noted the cannabis medication was significantly more effective at treating pain than a placebo, and also pointed out that there were no serious adverse side effects to speak of. When compared to opioids, an effective but far more dangerous pain-management alternative, having no serious adverse side effects is a major plus.

Cannabis for Other HIV Symptoms

Another serious side effect of moderately advanced HIV is a loss of appetite and, as a result, body weight. Researchers gave HIV-positive patients placebo, smoked marijuana, and Dronabinol, a cannabis-based medication. They found that the Dronabinol and smoked marijuana were much more effective than placebo at stimulating appetite. The groups without placebo experienced both an increase in food intake and body weight over the course of the study. Maintaining the requisite nutrition is essential for anyone, but is vital for HIV patients in helping fight off infections. Cannabis aids in this goal.

Cannabis Can Effectively Treat A Multitude Of HIV/AIDS Symptoms

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Importantly, the study also noted that the patients experienced elevated mood and greater quality of sleep. Of those who received marijuana and Dronabinol, they rated their quality of sleep as higher than the placebo group. Data analyzed from the Nightcap used, which measured brain patterns during sleep, concurred with these subjective ratings: they spent more time asleep than the placebo group. Along with nutrition, getting restful sleep is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system. With the help of cannabis, HIV patients can sleep better and stay healthy.

Looking Forward

While cannabis will probably never be the sole medication used in treating HIV, research shows that it is extremely helpful in managing the symptoms of the disease. With cannabis, patients can live a life with less pain, more sleep, and more food, increasing their quality of life substantially.

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