Dry cough with HIV infection

HIV can cause a dry cough and other complications affecting the lungs and respiratory system. In this article we will look at the connection between HIV and dry cough. You will also learn about other common respiratory symptoms that may occur in people with HIV.

Can HIV cause a dry cough?

A dry cough may be an early symptom of HIV or may indicate that the disease is in an advanced stage. In the first 2–4 weeks after becoming infected with HIV, approximately 40–90% of people develop flu-like symptoms. A dry cough may be the only respiratory symptom in the early stages.

Other symptoms of early (acute) HIV infection:

• fatigue;
• fever or chills;
• muscle pain;
• a sore throat;
• sweating

A persistent dry cough can also be a symptom of stage 3 HIV, sometimes called AIDS. This cough usually gets worse over time.

A dry cough may also indicate pneumonia, a lung infection that is a complication of HIV in some people.

It is important to note that dry cough is a common complaint. Therefore, in the absence of other symptoms of HIV, this does not mean that the person has become infected with the virus.

A dry cough can also occur as a result of:

• acid reflux;
• asthma;
• exposure to cold air;
• sinus infection.

People at risk of contracting HIV or people with other symptoms of infection should see a doctor.

Causes of dry cough in HIV infection

Many infections and illnesses can cause coughing or other breathing difficulties in people with HIV. Let's look at the previously mentioned infections in more detail.

Viral and parasitic infections

People with HIV may be susceptible to viral and parasitic infections. For example, those who become infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV) may experience lung problems and a cough.

CMV is a common virus, but it usually does not cause problems unless a person has a weakened immune system, such as in HIV-positive people or pregnant women.

Likewise, the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can cause toxoplasmosis, a condition that leads to lung problems similar to tuberculosis, or some types of pneumonia in people with HIV.

Bacterial infections

Some bacterial infections can enter the lungs or airways and cause inflammation and irritation that leads to coughing. Bacteria that can cause breathing difficulty in people with HIV:

• Haemophilus spp .;
• Mycobacterium avium complex
• mycobacteria;
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis , which causes tuberculosis;
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
• Staphylococcus aureus , which causes staph infection;
• streptococcal pneumonia.

Fungal infections

Fungi that enter the lungs or other parts of the body can cause breathing problems. The most common causes of yeast infections in people with HIV are:

• aspergillus fuming;
• cryptococcus;
• histoplasma capsulatum;
• pneumocystis jirovecii;
• talaromyces marneffei.

Cancer

Some cancers are more likely to affect people with HIV, especially in the later stages of the virus. Some types of cancer can cause pulmonary and respiratory symptoms, such as:

• chest pain;
• cough;
• coughing up blood;
• labored breathing;
• ragged breathing.

Cancers that can cause the above symptoms include Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and lung cancer. Overall, the risk of developing lung cancer is almost 3 times higher in people with HIV than in people without it.

Other diseases

In addition to these, there are other lung and respiratory diseases that cause problems in people with HIV. These include:

• asthma;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• interstitial lung disease (a group of diseases that affect the area around the air sacs of the lungs);
• pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries between the lungs and heart);
• sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the lungs and lymph nodes.

Other respiratory symptoms of HIV

Symptoms affecting breathing can be common in people with HIV, especially if they are not receiving treatment. These symptoms may result from various infections or other complications.

A 2003 study looked at respiratory symptoms in people with HIV. Scientists reported that common symptoms include:

• shortness of breath;
• cough;
• secretion of sputum.

These symptoms were more common in people with HIV than in healthy people. One of the factors influencing the appearance of respiratory symptoms in people with HIV is smoking.

It is important to note that HIV medications have improved significantly over the past few decades. Current antiretroviral drugs for treating HIV infection can effectively treat many symptoms, including cough, and prevent progression and transmission of the virus.

When to see a doctor

A person should see a doctor if they have persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, including:

• dry cough;
• fever;
• shortness of breath;
• wet cough (with phlegm).

A person with HIV should see a doctor as soon as possible if they develop symptoms or if existing symptoms get worse. Symptoms such as:

• coughing up blood;
• labored breathing;
• severe chest pain.

Forecast

The outlook for an HIV-positive person with a dry cough depends on the underlying cause. There are many reasons why people may experience a dry cough or other respiratory symptoms.

In most cases, HIV therapy can control symptoms or treat the underlying infection. Antiretroviral drugs can effectively prevent breathing problems and other complications.

To ensure the best outlook, you need to talk to your doctor about any new symptoms and follow the treatment plan they prescribe.