Lipoatrophy Syndrome &
Facial Lipoatrophy 
Nausea & Diarrhea
Fatigue & Anemia
Emotional
Support
HIV & Nutrition
|
|
|
Drug induced nausea & diarrhea are very common side effects of antiretroviral HIV drugs.
This is usually more severe during the first few weeks of starting a new drug, but eventually, the
body will adjust. It might take a few weeks for the body to settle into the new regime. In other
cases, nausea develops when a new combination of drugs is taken at the same time.
The good news is that getting control of nausea and diarrhea is generally possible through dietary changes.
This is usually quite effective, and these dietary changes do not cause any side effects. However, if nausea
& diarrhea do not improve with these types of changes, anti-nausea medications may help. In cases of severe
drug-related nausea that persists or worsens despite your attempts to curb it, it is necessary to speak with
your doctor. They may suggest you switch your HIV therapy.
Feeling sick to your stomach can be a hugely disruptive problem and can cause you quite a lot of
discomfort and embarrassment. Fortunately, there are often simple solutions that lessen nausea &
diarrhea. Determining what these solutions are takes a bit of planning and effort, but can make
all the difference!
To manage nausea, try the following:
- Eat smaller meals and eat more frequently
- Avoid spicy, smelly or greasy foods
- Have dry crackers by your bed. Eat a couple before getting up.
- Always eat sitting up
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, aspirin and smoking
To manage diarrhea, try the following:
- Eat from the BRATT diet (Bananas, ,Rice, Applesauce, Tea, Toast)
- Try lactose-free dairy products
- Avoid caffeine
- Avoid spicy, smelly and greasy foods
- Use bulking agents such as psyllium and oat bran
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids
- Avoid foods that are high in insoluble fiber (beans, brown rice)
|
|
|
