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My brother has been diagnosed with the HIV infection. So far he's been pretty healthy but now I'm noticing he's complaining of joint pain. And he keeps getting conjunctivitis. Are these part of the HIV problem? Should I insist he see a doctor? So far, he's just been treating the symptoms at home.

Many people with HIV infection have no symptoms for years. The most common early symptoms may include weight loss, fevers, and night sweats. Cough or shortness of breath may also develop when the lungs are involved.

Dry skin, new rashes, and changes in the nails may be seen. But all of these symptoms can be seen with other diseases, too. A group of complaints is more common with HIV infection than any one symptom.

Reactive arthritis is one form of arthritis that has been linked with HIV infection. Reactive arthritis associated with HIV is often the result of Reiter’s syndrome. Reiter's syndrome includes three main problems: conjunctivitis of the eye, joint arthritis, and urethritis.

Reiter's syndrome occurs in response to infection. Most cases occur in young men and are believed to result from venereal-acquired infections. Other infections such as gastroenteritis from food affect both men and women.

Anyone who is HIV-positive should be followed carefully by his or her doctor. New symptoms that persist should be evaluated sooner than later. Early intervention is best to reduce short-term discomfort and long-term problems.

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