Antiretroviral drugs prevent most of the infections and illnesses that cause diarrhea. Anyone who is infected with HIV and has had diarrhea for more than 2 days should see their physician or other health care professional. If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to the loss of vitamins and minerals, weight loss, and eventual wasting.
Diarrhea caused by protease inhibitors is usually treatable.
Rarely, people must stop taking the drug to stop the diarrhea. Digestive tract infections Many foods and sources of drinking water contain parasitic microorganisms that don't affect people with healthy immune systems. It is the most common infectious cause of diarrhea in North America and Western Europe and usually results from having eaten or drunk contaminated food or water. Patients with bacterial gastroenteritis are treated with an antibiotic and a clear-liquid or bland diet until symptoms improve. Interestingly, AZT works effectively against salmonella and may be used as a preventative treatment.