Objective To evaluate whether asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness are associated with HIV infection.

Methods We reviewed the literature on HIV-associated pulmonary diseases, pulmonary symptoms, and immune changes which may play a role in asthma. The information was analyzed comparing the pre-HAART era to the post-HAART era data.

Results HIV-seropositive individuals commonly experience respiratory complaints yet it is unclear if the frequency of these complaints have changed with the initiation of HAART. Changes in pulmonary function testing and serum IgE are seen with HIV infection even in the post-HAART era. An increased prevalence of asthma among HIV-seropositive children treated with HAART has been reported.

Conclusion The spectrum of HIV-associated pulmonary disease has changed with the introduction of HAART. Current data is limited to determine if asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness are more common among HIV-seropositive individuals treated with HAART.

Author : Jessica A. Kynyk, Jonathan P. Parsons, Michael F. Para, Susan L. Koletar, Philip T. Diaz, John G. Mastronarde
Source:Respiratory Medicine, Volume 106, Issue 4
Read Full Article