Medical Dictionary
HAART
| Antiretrovirals (ARVs) are medications used to fight HIV virus,the combined use of these drugs is known as Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART). |
Haemagglutination Inhibition Test
The haemagglutination inhibition test was an early immunoassay method of pregnancy testing. More about pregnancy testing. |
Haematocrit
| The percentage of the volume of whole blood made up by red blood cells. When a blood sample is centrifuged, its components are separated according to densities. Red blood cells are denser than plasma, so the haematocrit makes up the bottom of the sample. It usually has a value of about 45%. |
Haematological neoplasia
| Haematological neoplasia can be referred to as a new and abnormal growth in the blood. |
Haematologist
| A specialist who studies blood, the blood forming tissues and the disorders associated with these topics. They are often experts in blood Clotting disorders. |
Haematoma
| A haematoma refers to a collection of blood outside the blood vessels within the tissues. |
Haematospermia
| Haematospermia is the condition in which blood is found in the semen. |
Haemodialysis
| A dialysis treatment where the patient is connected to a dialyser machine and the blood is filtered outside of the patient's body. |
Haemoglobin
| Haemoglobin refers to the molecule which carries oxygen in the blood. |
Haemolysis
| Haemolysis refers to the rupture of red blood cells. |
Haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)
| A condition in which a baby is born with a severe anemia as a result of the blood of a Rh- woman coming into contact with her second Rh+ child, due to transfusion reactions within the Rhesus blood groups. |
Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a condition in which red blood cells break up, resulting in kidney failure. For more information, see Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome. |
Haemophilia
| Haemophilia is a sex-linked hereditary blood defect that occurs almost exclusively in males and is characterized by delayed clotting of the blood and consequent difficulty in controlling hemorrhage even after minor injuries. |
Haemophilia A
| This is a blood Clotting disorder resulting from a deficiency of Factor 8. It is the most common haemophilia seen. |
Haemophilia B
| This is a blood Clotting disorder resulting from a deficiency of Factor 9. It is the second most common haemophilia seen, also known as Christmas disease. |
Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib)
| Haemophilus influenzae type B is a bacteria which can cause severe disease in young children, including meningitis (inflammation around the brain), epiglottitis (swelling of the throat which may block breathing) and joint infection. Young children under 5 years of age are particularly at risk of severe disease. They can be protected against disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B through immunisation. |
Haemopoiesis
| Haemopoiesis refers to the production of the formed elements of blood. |
Haemopoietic
| Haemopoietic can be referred to as the formation of blood cellular components. |
Haemoptysis
| Heamoptysis is simply the medical word for coughing up blood from the lungs and can come as flecks, streaks and many other forms. It has many different causes but should always be investigated by a doctor. |
Haemorrhage
| Haemorrhage is a loss of blood from the body. The bleeding may be internal (e.g. into a body cavity), or external, through either a natural opening (e.g. nose or mouth) or through a break in the skin. |
Haemorrhoids (piles)
| Haemorrhoids (piles) are swellings of the lining of the anus and lower rectum (back passage). |
Haemostasis
| Hemostasis refers to the physiologic process whereby bleeding is halted, thus protecting the integrity of the vascular system after tissue injury. It is responsible for minimizing blood loss. |
Hair follicles
| A hair follicle is part of the skin that grows hair. Attached to the follicle is a sebaceous gland, a tiny sebum-producing gland found everywhere except on the palms, lips and soles of the feet. These are usually absent in areas affected by stretch marks. |
Hair Loss (Alopecia)
| Hair Loss also called Alopecia occurs in men - and some women - as they grow older. You can also lose your hair if you have certain diseases, such as thyroid problems, diabetes or lupus. If you take certain medicines or have chemotherapy for cancer, you may also lose your hair. Other causes are a low protein diet, a family history or poor nutrition. |
Halcion
| Halcion is used for short-term treatment of insomnia, usually for 7 to 10 days only. |
Halitosis
| Halitosis is the technical term for bad breath. |
Hallucinations
| Hallucinations are described as being 'false sensory perceptions', in other words the body is fooled into thinking that it is sensing something that it is not. These can be in any of the senses, but are most commonly visual or auditory. Hallucinations can be caused by many things and should always be discussed with a doctor. |
Haloperidol
| Haloperidol is a butyrophenone antipsychotic drug. Used to treat schizophrenia. Also known as Haldol (trade name) |
Halsted radical mastectomy
| Halsted radical mastectomy refers to the complete removal of breast tissue, the nipple and areola, the pectoralis major and minor (chest muscles), and axillary dissection. Halsted radical mastecomy is an old procedure which is rarely used today. |
Hamate
| The hamate is one of eight carpal bones that make up the wrist of the hand. The other bones are the scaphoid, lunate, triquetral, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid and capitates. |
Hand
The hand consists of the wrist, palm and fingers. Movements of the hand are controlled by muscles in the forearm (extrinsic muscles) as well as muscles within the hand itself (intrinsic muscles). |
Hand-Foot Syndrome
Hand-foot syndrome refers to chemotherapy-induced swelling of the hands and feet. |
Haploid Cell
| A haploid cell is a cell which contains half the amount of DNA of a diploid cell; in other words 23 chromosomes instead of the usual 46 chromosomes. These cells are the gametes (sex cells); the female egg and the male sperm. They contain half the amount of DNA because when the sperm enters the egg the DNA is combined to form a diploid cell. |
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
| Hashimoto's thyroiditis occurs when inflammation caused by an autoimmune process destroys the thyroid gland, leading to an insufficient production of thyroid hormones. |
HDL cholesterol
| HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is a type of cholesterol molecule that circulates in the blood. It is often known as the 'good' cholesterol because high levels of HDL-C seem to protect against development of atherosclerosis. |
headache
A headache simply means a pain or discomfort felt in the head region -whether it is the face, back of the head (occiput), forehead, scalp, behind the eyes etc. A headache can also be caused by referral from the upper neck or even teeth and sinuses. It can also be present even though there is no actual organic cause for it (e.g. depression). |
Hearing Loss
| Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. It comes in many forms. Hearing loss can range from a mild loss in which a person misses certain high-pitched sounds, such as the voices of women and children, to a total loss of hearing. It can be hereditary or can result from disease, trauma, certain medications, or long-term exposure to loud noise. Refer to Anatomy of the ear. |
Hearing test
| A hearing test is an evaluation of the sensitivity of a person's sense of hearing, most often performed by an audiologist using an audiometer. |
Heart
| The heart is described as a hollow, muscular organ that pumps blood through blood vessels. The heart is a component of the cardiovascular system. |
Heart Attack
| See Myocardial Infarction. |
Heart Disease
| In heart disease a structural or functional abnormality of the heart, or of the blood vessels supplying the heart, impairs its normal functioning. |
Heart failure
| Heart failure is when the heart fails to maintain an adequate circulation of blood around the body owing to a defect in the heart's pumping action. |
Heart murmer
| A heart murmer is the noise heard with the aid of a stethoscope indicating an abnormal blood flow within the cardiovascular system. |
Heart rate
| Heart rate refers to the rate at which your heart beats expressed in beats/minute (BPM). A normal heart rate varies with age and also daily acitivities such as exercise. |
Heart transplant
| A heart transplant is the surgical removal and replacement of a diseased heart by that of a donor who has died. |
Heartburn
| Heartburn is a burning discomfort felt in the middle of the chest. It is the hallmark symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Heartburn is sometimes called 'cardiac chest pain' as it can mimic symptoms of a pending heart attack. |
Heat Cramps
Heat Cramps are cramps that usually occur in the stomach when exercising, distinctly different from muscle cramps. Heat cramps are predominately caused by the loss of salt from excessive sweating. |
Heat Exhaustion
| Heat Exhaustion is a type of heat illness and occurs when exercising in the heat. The person will be unable to continue exercising as their heart rate will not be able to meet the demands required to pump blood to the muscles and tissues required for the exercise. |
Heat Illness
| Heat illness occurs when the body becomes too hot (greater than 37 degrees celsius) when exercising in the heat. Heat illness involves a number of seperate conditions of differing degrees of harm for the body. These include; heat exhaustion, heat cramps, fainting due to heat and in worst case senario, heatstroke. Heat illness must be treated immediately by decreasing the body temperature. |
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a type of heat illness that can be experienced when exercising in hot conditions. Heatstroke can be very dangerous and even fatal if not recognised and treated immediately. The body's cooling mechanisms stop working and the core body temperature rises dramatically. Symptoms include abnormal behaviours and coma, and if the core body temperature is not immediately reduced the person may experience brain damage or death.
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Heavy metal poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning is the toxic accumulation of metals such as lead or mercury in the soft tissues of the body. Heavy metals maybe ingested via food, water or the air we breath. Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and a metallic taste in the mouth.
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Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)
Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that lives in the acidic environment of the stomach. The human body has no natural immune response to H. pylori, which causes inflammation and ulcers within the stomach. For more information, see Helicobacter Pylori Eradication. |
Helper T Cell
| Helper T Cells are a type of T cell that can release substances that 'help' the other immune cells to fight infection by causing them to grow and change into more attacking forms. |
hemarthrosis
| Accumulation of blood in a joint or joint cavity. |
hematomas
| A circumscribed collection of blood, usually clotted, in a tissue or organ, caused by a break in a blood vessel. |
Hematuria
| Hematuria is a sign that something abnormal has happened in the genitourinary tract, causing blood to appear in the urine. |
Hemianopia
| Hemianopia is a loss of one half of the normal visual field. |
Hemicranias
A hemicrania is a type of migraine that only affects one side of the brain. |
Hemifacial spasm
| Hemifacial spasm is an involuntary contraction of the muscles of the face on one side. |
Hemisphere (brain)
| Hemisphere refers one half of the brain. The brain is divided into two hemispheres the right and left. Each hemisphere contains four lobes: frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe and the occipital lobe. |
hemophilia A
| Hemophilia due to deficiency of factor VIII, characterized by prolonged clotting time, decreased formation of thromboplastin, and diminished conversion of prothrombin. |
hemophilia B
| A clotting disorder of blood resembling hemophilia A, caused by hereditary deficiency of factor IX. Also called Christmas disease. |
Heparin
Heparin is an anticoagulation agent. That is, a substance that thins the blood and stops it from clotting. |
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II (HIT-II)
| Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II (HIT-II) is a complication of heparin therapy. An immune response to the heparin molecule causes a drop in platelet count as well as an increased risk of developing blood clots. |
Hepatic artery
| Hepatic artery refers to a type of artery which takes blood to the liver with branches going to the stomach. |
Hepatitis B
| Hepatitis B is a blood-borne viral illness. It causes inflammation of the liver ('hepatitis') which may become chronic and lead to problems such as liver failure, liver cancer, or even death. Children and adults can be protected against Hepatitis B through immunisation. |
Hepatitis C
| Hepatitis C virus is a disease of the liver. The term hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. |
Hepatosplenomegaly
| Enlarged liver and spleen to such an extent they can be felt below the rib margin. |
Hereditary
| A hereditary tract is that which can be transferred from parents to offspring. Therefore, a hereditary disease refers to a disease which can be passed on from one generation to another (i.e. it is inherited). Amniocentesis and Obstetric ultrasound may be used to diagnose hereditary disorders in the unborn baby. |
Hernia
| A hernia is any structure passing through another which in doing so ends up in the wrong place. Formally, it is defined as the protrusion of a loop or knuckle of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening. |
Herniated Disc (Bulging disc; Compressed disc; Herniated intervertebral disc; Herniated nucleus pulposus; Prolapsed disc; Ruptured disc; Slipped disc)
| A Herniated Disc may also be referred to as a Bulging disc, Compressed disc, Herniated intervertebral disc, Herniated nucleus pulposus, Prolapsed disc, Ruptured disc or Slipped disc. Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bones called vertebrae. In between them are soft discs filled with a jelly-like substance. These discs cushion the vertebrae and keep them in place. A herniated disc is a disc that slips out of place or ruptures. If it presses on a nerve, it can cause back pain or sciatica. |
Heroin
| Heroin is a highly addictive drug derived from morphine |
Herpes simplex virus
| Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are two strains of the herpes virus family. HSV-1 is usually associated with infections of the lips, mouth and face (cold sores), while HSV-2 is sexually transmitted and is usually associated with genital ulcers or sores. |
Hesitancy
| Hesitancy, when described as a urinary symptom, refers to the difficultly in starting the urine stream. When combined with other urinary symptoms it can be a sign of prostate cancer. |
Heterosexuality
Heterosexual individuals are those who engage in sexual activity with a partner of the opposite sex. |
Hiatus hernia
| Hiatus hernia refers to protrusion of the proximal part of the stomach through a defect in the diaphragm, into the thorax. There are two types of hiatus hernias called rolling and sliding. In the former the gastro-oesophageal junction remains in the abdomen, whilst in the latter it slides into the chest. Hiatus hernia predisposes to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and heartburn. |
High fluoride toothpaste
| Any high fluoride toothpaste contains fluoride at a higher concentration than 0.15%. Most fluoride toothpastes contain 0.1% fluoride. |
High intensity focused ultrasound
| High intensity focused ultrasound is a medical procedure using focused ultrasound rays to heat and destroy pathogenic tissue. This technique is a minimally invasive method which deposits energy into tissue and can be used as part of cancer treatment regimes. |
High-dose multi-agent chemotherapy
| High-dose multi-agent chemotherapy is a medication regime to treat cancer which has a highly toxic effect. Multi agent chemotherapy refers to a medication regime in which a variety of chemotherapy medications are taken on alternating days, usually in high doses. It is used in the treatment of aggressive cancers that have metastasised to distant sites. |
High-functioning Autism (HFA)
| High-functioning Autism (HFA) is a an autism spectrum disorder that is characterised by poor social functioning. People with HFA do not show the cognitive impairments which characterise the common form of autism. HFA individuals are usually highly intellegent. |
Hip Circumference
| Hip circumference (HC) is measured by putting a tape around the widest part of your hip area over minimal clothing. Height circumference is not useful on its own; usually it is used as a ratio with waist circumference. Hip circumefrence can be used as a mesure of obesity. |
Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery removes damaged or diseased parts of a hip joint and replaces them with new, man-made parts. The most common reason for hip replacement is osteoarthritis in the hip joint. The goals of the surgery are to:
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Hippocampus
| The hippocampus has an important role in the formation of memories in the brain. It is also part of the limbic system, which influences thought and mood. |
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is excessive hair growth on the chin, upper lip, arms, nipples and other areas, commonly associated with excessive levels of testosterone in women. |
Histamine
| Histamine is an important chemical in the process of inflammation. It is released from mast cells and causes dilation of blood vessels and activation of most other steps in inflammation. |
Hivid
| Hivid is a drug used in treatment of HIV infections. It can be used singularly or in combination with other HIV therapies. |
HMG-CoA reductase
| HMG-CoA reductase is an enzyme that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. |
Homeopathic
| An alternative system for treating disease based on the administration of small doses of a drug, that in massive amounts produces symptoms in healthy people similar to those of the disease. Homeopathic methods are sometimes used in treatment of stretch marks. |
Homocysteine
| Homocysteine is a particular amino acid (building block for proteins) present in the blood that has been found to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of homocysteine are thought to predispose to atherosclerosis and clot formation by damaging the lining of blood vessels. However, the exact role of homoscysteine is still being determined in studies. |
Homolog (chromosome pair)
| A homolog is one of the two copies of a chromosome that exist in a diploid cell; one copy from each parent. |
Homosexuality
Homosexual individuals are those who engage in sexual activity with an individual of the same sex. |
Hormonal contraceptive methods
| Hormonal contraceptive methods are methods which alter the body's hormonal environment so that the hormonal conditions necessary for fertilisation and pregnancy do not occur. |
Hormonal Therapy
| Hormone therapy for men is also called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The therapy aims to reduce the level of male hormones (androgens; testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) in the body. Reducing the level of androgens in the body can make the prostate shrink or grow more slowly. This therapy does not cure prostate cancer. |
Hormone
A hormone is a substance that is produces in one part of the body (such as an endocrine gland) that passes into the bloodstream and modifies the structure or function of another part of the body. A small amount of hormone may have a large impact on the way other cells function. |
Hormone Releasing Intrauterine Device (hr-IUD)
The Hormone Releasing Intrauterine Device (IUD) also known as Mirena is one type of IUD available for use as a contraceptive. It is also referred to as the levonorgestrel IUD or LNG-IUD because it contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic progesterone. The LNG IUD is a 32mm long T shaped plastic device with a monofilament thread attached to a loop on the bottom of the stem which is inserted into the uterus. It contains 52mg of levonorgestrel which is released at a rate of 20 micrograms per day which acts to prevent penetration of sperm through the cervix hence preventing pregnancy. The LNG IUD must be replaced after 5 years. The hormone releasing IUD also has many other uses apart from its role as a contraceptive. This IUD is also useful alternative to hysterectomy for the treatment of menorrhagia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding and leiomyomas. However, unlike the copper IUD it cannot be used as an emergency contraceptive. For more information see Intrauterine Device (IUD) |
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
| Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the use of medication containing female sex hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone to increase the levels of these hormones which fall during menopause. Low levels of oestrogen can cause a range of symptoms including hot flushes. HRT can help to relieve these symptoms. |
House maid's knee
| House-maid's knee is a colloquial term for bursitis in the knee. |
Humalog Injection (Insulin Lispro)
| Humalog is used to treat diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2. Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to convert food into usable energy because it does not produce any or a sufficient amount of insulin. |
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone, produced by the placenta, that helps maintain the corpus luteum (a mass of cells secreting progesterone). Measuring levels of human chorionic gonadotropin can determine whether a woman is pregnant. More about pregnancy tests. |
Human genome project
| The human genome project was a scientific research project that began in 1990 and aimed to determine the sequence of chemicals that make up human DNA. Information and knowledge gained from the human genome project can be very useful for research in medicine and biotechnology. |
Human immune deficiency virus (HIV)
| Human immune deficiency(HIV) is a retrovirus that causes AIDS. The HIV virus is approximately 1/10,000 of a millimeter in diameter and spherical in shape. It consists of an outer coat known as the viral envelope and inner core known as the viral core. The viral core consists of viral RNA and enzymes i.e. reverse transcriptase, protease, and integrase. HIV causes the breakdown of the bodies immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to infection. |
Human Lymphocyte Antigens (HLA)
| The HLA is a group of genes that encodes a group of proteins present on the surface of cells. HLA are involved in presenting foreign materials to the immune system |
Human papillomavirus
| Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common type of virus that causes warts on the skin and mucous membranes such as the anus and genitalia. Genital warts caused by the virus are usually sexually transmitted. HPV has been associated with the development of cervical cancer. |
Humerus
| The humerus is a long bone in the arm that extends from the shoulder to the elbow. |
Huntington's Disease (Huntington Chorea)
| Huntington's disease is an inherited brain disorder characterized by abnormal body movements, dementia, and psychiatric problems. |
Hydatidiform moles
| Hydatidiform moles are a benign form of gestational trophoblastic disease. The moles can be either complete (an androgenetic pregnancy) or partial (a triploid gestation). |
Hydatiform mole
| Hydatiform moles are commonly known as "molar pregnancies" and refer to pregnancies which consist of a non-viable embryo, that implants and proliferates in the uterus. It often gives rise to a "grape like" appearance on imaging. Molar pregnancies should be ruled out before performing an abortion. |
Hydrocoele
A hydrocoele is a condition in which fluid accumulates around a man's testicles. |
Hydrogen breath test
| The hydrogen breath test is a non-invasive test for malabsorption syndromes. It is based on the principle that hydrogen is produced when bacteria breaks down sugar in the gut. It can be used to diagnose lactose (or other carbohydrate) intolerance, bacterial overgrowth, and rapid transit time. |
Hydrolisation
| Hydrolisation is the process through which complex molecules are broken down into simpler forms (e.g. synthesis of long protein chains into dipeptides and amino acids) |
Hygiene hypothesis
| Hypothesis that explains that being overly hygienic results in infants not being exposed to the germs that lead to the natural development of the immune system, resulting in a higher incidence of allergic disease. Learn more about the increase of allergies in Western society. |
Hyperactivity
| Hyperactivity may be described as an excessive level of activity in a person compared to what is normally expected for their age. |
Hyperacute Rejection
Hyperacute rejection is a type of rejection caused by pre-formed antibodies in the recipient that are directed against the cells from the donor. It occurs minutes to hours after transplantation. |
Hyperaemia
| Hyperaemia refers to the increase of blood flow to different tissues in the body. |
Hyperaesthesia
| Hyperasethesia means excessive sensitivity. |
Hyperalgesia
| Hyperalgesia is increased sensitivity to pain. It can be caused by a period of constant pain signalling that hypersensitises the nerves, leading to lasting sensitisation. |
Hypercalcaemia
| High level of calcium concentration in blood. |
Hypercholesterolaemia
| Hypercholesterolaemia is defined as elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood. |
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
| Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) refers to a group of diseases that are characterised by an excessive amount of eosinophils (a normal cellular component from the myeloid series of the blood that stains red with an eosin stain). These eosinophils can infiltrate the organs of the body, in particular the heart and lungs. |
Hyperglycaemia
| Hyperglycaemia means there is too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream. It may be an indicator of poorly managed diabetes mellitus type 1 or diabetes mellitus type 2. |
Hyperkalaemia
| Hyperkalemia (AE) or Hyperkalaemia (BE) is an elevated blood level (above 5.0 mmol/L) of the electrolyte potassium. Extreme degrees of hyperkalemia are considered a medical emergency due to the risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias. |
Hyperkinesia
| Hyperkinesia is a condition whereby there is an abnormal increase in muscle activity. |
Hyperlipidaemia (Hyperlipoproteinaemia; Dyslipidaemia)
Hyperlipidaemia, otherwise known as hyperlipoproteinaemia or dyslipidaemia, is a condition characterised by elevated or abnormal levels of lipids or lipoproteins in the blood. |
Hyperlipoproteinaemia type I (Buerger-Gruetz syndrome; Primary hyperlipoproteinaemia; Familial hyperchylomicronaemia)
| Hyperlipoproteinemia type I is also known as Buerger-Gruetz syndrome, primary hyperlipoproteinaemia, or familial hyperchylomicronaemia. It is characterised by raised levels of chylomicrons in the blood. |
Hyperlipoproteinaemia type II
Hyperlipoproteinaemia type II is characterised by elevated levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Type IIa is also known as familial hypercholesterolaemia. Type IIb has elevated levels of triglycerides in addition to elevated LDL cholesterol levels, and is also known as combined hyperlipoproteinaemia. |
Hyperlipoproteinaemia type III (Dysbetalipoproteinaemia; Broad beta disease)
| Hyperlipoproteinaemia type III is also known as dysbetalipoproteinaemia, or broad beta disease. It is characterised by high levels of chylomicrons and intermediate density lipoproteins in the blood. |
Hyperlipoproteinaemia type IV
| Hyperlipoproteinaemia type IV is characterised by high levels of triglycerides in the blood. It is also known as hypertriglyceridaemia. |
Hyperlipoproteinaemia type V
| Hyperlipoproteinaemia type V is characterised by elevated levels of chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) in the blood. |
Hyperphosphataemia
| High level of phosphorous concentration blood associated with stage 4 and 5 of renal disease. Renagel Tablets are the medication used to manage the condition. |
Hyperreflexia
| Hyperreflexia is when overresponsive or overactive reflexes occur. |
Hypersomnia
| Hypersomnia is when recurrent episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged night time sleep occurs. |
Hypertension
| A common disorder characterized by high blood pressure, which is asymptomatic. |
Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis)
| Hyperthyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid produces too many hormones. Antidepressants can be used to treat this. |
Hypertriglyceridemia
| Hypertriglyceridemia is when there are high blood levels of triglycerides (fatty substances) and is associated with atherosclerosis. |
Hypertrophic scar
| A hypertrophic scar is a raised area of fibrous tissue in the skin that is confined to the anatomical boundaries of the original injury. |
Hypertrophy
| Hypertrophy is an enlargement of a part of the body due increased size of the constituent cells. For example hypertrophy of a muscle is an increase in that muscles size and volume due increased size of the individual muscle cells that comprise it. |
Hyperventilation
| Hyperventilation refers to an abnormally fast or deep breathing, which results in the loss of carbon dioxide from the blood, thereby reducing blood pressure and sometimes causing fainting. |
Hypervitaminosis
Hypervitaminosis can be caused by the excessive ingestion or administration of vitamins. An example is hypervitaminosis A, caused by the excess consumption of foods high in vitamin A (eg. liver). |
Hypervitaminosis D
Hypervitaminosis simple means vitamin toxicity. Thus hypervitaminosis D is a condition where there is too much vitamin D in the body.
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Hypnagogic Hallucination
| A hypnagogic hallucination is a hallucination, or 'false perception', that occurs just before falling asleep. They are very common and most people will experience them once in their life. They are not serious and are generally considered a variation of normal. |
Hypnopompic Hallucination
| A hypnopompic hallucination is a hallucination, or 'false perception', that occurs just upon waking up. They are very common and most people will experience them once in their life. They are not serious and are generally considered a variation of normal. |
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
| Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is the persistent or recurrent lack of sexual fantasies, thoughts, desires and receptivity to sexual contact. |
Hypocalcaemia
| Hypocalcaemia is low blood calcium levels as confirmed via a blood test. |
Hypodermic needle
| A hypodermic needle is a hollow needle which is used to penetrate the skin so that a substance (usually a drug) can be injected. The substance is loaded into the barrel of the needle (syringe), which varies in diameter. Most hypodermic needles are disposable because they are designed for single use only. |
Hypoglycaemia
| A deficiency of blood sugar levels in the bloodstream, resulting in symptoms such as light headedness, sweating, hunger and confusion. |
Hypogonadotrophic Hypogonadism
Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism is a condition is which a man's testicles are abnormally small as a result of hormonal imbalances. |
Hypokalaemia
| A condition in which an inadequate amount of potassium, the major intracellular cation, is found in the circulating bloodstream. |
Hypomania
| Hypomania is a mild degree of mania. It is a state of elated mood in which behaviour can lack the usual social restraints. It is not so severe as to cause large interference with daily activities. |
Hyponatraemia
| Hyponatraemia is a condition classified by a lower than normal concentration of sodium in the blood, caused by inadequate excretion of water or by excess water in the circulating bloodstream. |
Hyponychium
| The hyponychium is located where the sterile matrix of the nail bed meets the skin of the fingertip under the nail. |
Hypopituitarism
| Hypopituitarism is the condition resulting from a deficiency in hormones that are released by the pituitary gland in the brain, especially growth hormone. |
Hyposplenism
| Hyposplenism can be referred to as reduced spleen function. |
Hypotension
| Hypotension is abnormally low blood pressure. This means the pressure within blood vessels is low. This is frequently caused by shock or loss of blood volume. The term hypotension is frequently used in the context of 'postural' or 'orthostatic' hypotension, which refers to a significant fall in blood pressure when one stands up quickly. This can cause symptoms of dizziness. |
Hypothalamus
| The hypothalamus is one of the four areas of the diencephalon and lies below the thalamus in the brain. The hypothalamus functions in controlling autonomic functions, coordination of the nervous and endocrine systems and secretion of certain hormones. |
Hypothenar eminence
| Hypothenar eminence refers to a group of muscles that makes up the ball of the little finger of the hand. |
Hypothyroidism
| Hypothyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid produces fewer hormones than needed for normal body function. |
Hypovolaemic shock
| Hypovolaemic shock is a life threatening condition resulting from lack of blood volume in which the blood supply to bodily tissues is no longer adequate to meet its metabolic needs. |
Hypoxia
| Hypoxia is a condition where the body's tissues are deprived of their normal supply of oxygen. |
Hypoxia altitude simulation test
| The hypoxia altitude simulation test is a tool used to assess a patient's fitness to fly. The patient breathes a gaseous mixture which has an oxygen saturation of 15.1% simulating a cabin pressure of 8000 feet. This allows screening for hypoxia and other significant symptoms that could occur during flight. |
Hypromellose
| A lubricant that soothes dry and irritated eyes. |
Hysterectomy
| A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, resulting in the inability to become pregnant (sterility). It may be done through the abdomen or the vagina. |
Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
| Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure in which a woman has her ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus removed. It is also known as a radical hysterectomy and leaves the woman sterile. |
