A to Z of symptoms

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  • Anaemia

    Information on anaemia, including its causes and what can be done about it.

  • Anorexia

    This is loss of appetite or having no desire to eat.

  • Anxiety

    This is a feeling of foreboding, panic or apprehension and is frequently accompanied by physical symptoms of sweating, palpitations, agitation, nervousness, headaches and anorexia. If

  • Blackouts & fits

    A blackout is the sudden loss or near loss of consciousness and may be accompanied by dizziness, vertigo, headache or (if due to a fit/convulsion)

  • Breathlessness

    Breathlessness is a difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath and may first be noted when running for a bus or going up a flight

  • Bruising

    Bruises which appear to be unrelated to any trauma or are larger or more severe than normal can occur in HIV infection. This may be

  • Cough

    A cough may bring up green or clear sputum from the chest or be non-productive and dry. Other symptoms which occur with a cough include

  • Dealing with symptoms

    The symptoms of HIV infection are multiple and varied and can either be caused by the direct effect of HIV on the body or be

  • Dermatitis

    This is a common problem in HIV and normally occurs as a patchy red, flaky rash especially on the face and neck. It may be

  • Diarrhoea

    Diarrhoea can take the form of anything from a semi-loose to a completely liquid stool and may result in having to go to the toilet

  • Dry mouth

    Lack of saliva in the mouth is known as dry mouth or xerostomia. Dry mouth can cause problems with chewing and digesting food, and lead

  • Dry skin

    Dry skin may take a number of forms - small patches of dry, red flaky skin (see Dermatitis for more details of this condition) -

  • Fatigue

    Lethargy and tiredness is a frequent problem especially in advanced disease. It may be debilitating and interfere with the ability to carry on working or

  • Fevers

    Fevers or high temperatures may be persistent or intermittent and cause shivers (rigors) and sweating. The normal body temperature can vary a little from person

  • Gingivitis (gum problems)

    This is pain and soreness around the gums often accompanied by bleeding and ulcers. It is often associated with dental caries or other oral infections.

  • Headaches

    The site, character and severity of headaches are variable. Fever, neurological symptoms (such as weakness or numbness), visual problems, anxiety and depression may all be

  • Hearing loss

    There have been several reports of hearing impairment affecting people with HIV. One of the difficulties is distinguishing between hearing loss that may occur independently

  • Insomnia

    This is a difficulty with sleeping, waking early or getting off to sleep. Sleep disturbances are more common among HIV-positive adults and children than in HIV-negative

  • Memory problems

    Forgetfulness, or difficulty in remembering or recalling facts, are symptoms that many people with symptomatic HIV infection report. Often they accompany symptoms of stress, moodiness, anxiety

  • Mouth infections

    Several fungal and viral infections can affect the mouth in people with HIV.

  • Mouth ulcers

    Ulcers in the mouth are a common problem and may interfere with eating and swallowing.

  • Nausea

    A feeling of wanting to vomit or be sick.

  • Night sweats

    These are a common problem in HIV and may either be mild and infrequent or be quite severe and result in the need to change

  • Numbness

    Loss of feeling or alteration in sensation (such as pins and needles) can occur in HIV infection especially in the toes, feet and hands. Altered

  • Pain

    The site, nature and character of pain can be very variable but whether it is acute or chronic it can interfere greatly with quality of

  • Rashes

    Skin complaints such as rashes are relatively common problems among people with HIV.

  • Sickness

    See Nausea.

  • Sexual problems

    Loss of sexual drive or desire (libido) is a common problem of chronic ill health. It can contribute to emotional problems (e.g. depression) and have

  • Swallowing difficulties

    Pain when eating or swallowing especially in the throat or gullet (oesophagus) is a common presenting problem in people with symptomatic HIV disease.

  • Visual problems

    Blurred or partial loss of vision is a symptom which many people with HIV infection are very apprehensive of. Floaters in the vision are an

  • Vomiting

    See Nausea.

  • Walking difficulties

    Any problem that can interfere with mobility, whether this is simply with using public transport or more seriously involves getting in and out of a

  • Weight loss

    Loss of weight either suddenly, over a short period of time or progressively over many months is a common problem and of particular concern in