Results from a recent study suggest that people with HIV are more than twice as likely as the general population to be diagnosed with asthma. The findings indicate that factors such as obesity, allergy-associated inflammation, and a family history of asthma may increase the risk of asthma in those with HIV.

“Persons with HIV have a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function findings consistent with asthma or other obstructive lung disease. Appropriate evaluation by a physician is important…

A small study suggests that the different roles HIV-positive women play in society can influence how they manage their disease. In particular, the findings indicate that women who are mothers, faith believers, pet owners, or AIDS advocates often cope better with HIV/AIDS.

“Women [with HIV] should consider how the various social roles they have can help them manage their chronic disease, and communicate that with their health care team,” said  Allison Webel, an instructor of nursing at the Frances Payne Bolton…

Results from a recent review confirm that HIV-positive adults are at a higher risk for developing cancer than the general population. In particular, people with HIV are about four times more likely to develop cancer than people without HIV and are slightly more likely to develop cancer than people who have had an organ transplant.

The study authors suggested that a weakened immune system underlies the increased cancer rate.

“Our findings show that there is a need for prevention and…

Results from a small European study have shown that a short course of omega-3 fatty acids significantly lowers triglyceride levels in people experiencing high triglyceride levels during antiretroviral therapy for HIV.

“Triglycerides are frequently raised, have health implications, and are easily managed with measures that can include a safe supplement such as Omacor/Lovaza (omega-3 acid ethyl esters),” said Dr. Barry Peters, head of the Academic Unit of HIV and STDs at King’s College London and lead author of the study.…

This article is the second of a two-part series on a review of Reyataz-related treatments and side effects. The first part discusses recent results on simplified Reyataz-based antiretroviral regimens; the second part discusses side effects associated with Reyataz.

A review of results from several studies on Reyataz indicates that relative to other antiretrovirals, Reyataz may be associated with fewer side effects in certain areas – such as heart problems – but more in other areas, such as kidney problems.…