Definitions H Flashcards
halitosis
An unpleasant odor coming from the mouth that can be caused by dental diseases or respiratory or gastric disorders. Also known as bad breath.
hallucination
A sensory perception (i.e., sight, touch, sound, smell, or taste) experiencedin the absence of external stimulation.
hallux valgus
An abnormal enlargement of the joint at the base of the great toe (hallux means big toe, and valgus means bent).
hamstring injury
A hamstring injury can be a strain or tear on any of the three hamstring muscles that straighten the hip and ben the knee. When these muscles contract too quickly, an injury can occur that is characterized by sudden and severe pain in the back of the thigh.
Hashimoto?s disease
An autoimmune disease in which the body?s own antibodies attack and destroy the cells of the thyroid gland. This inflammation often leads to hypothyroidism. Also known as an chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.
hearing aid
Electronic devices that are worn to correct a hearing loss. Sometimes a sensorineural hearing loss can be corrected with a hearing aid.
heart failure
Heart failure occurs most commonly in the elderly. In this chronic condition the heart is unable to pump out all of the blood that it receives. The decreased pumping action causes the congestion. The term congestion describes a fluid buildup. Also referred to as congestive heart failure (CHF).
heart murmur
An abnormal blowing or clicking sound heard when listening to the heart or a neighboring large blood vessels. Heart murmurs are most often caused by defective heart valves, but do not usually require surgery unless they affect the patient?s quality of life.
heel spurs
A calcium deposit in the plantar fascia near its attachment to the calcaneus (heel) bone that can be one of the causes of plantar fasciitis.
hemangioma
A benign tissue mass made up of newly formed small blood vessels that in birthmarks are visible through the skin.
hemarthrosis
Blood within a joint. This condition is frequently due to a joint injury. It also can occur spontaneously in patients taking blood-thinning medications or those having a blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.
hematemesis
the vomiting of blood. The substance that is vomited often resembles coffee grounds.
hematochezia
The flow of bright red blood in the color usually indicates that the blood is coming from the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract.
hematocrit
The term hematocrit describes the percentage, by volume, of a blood sample occupied by red cells. this test is used to diagnose abnormal states of hydration (fluid levels in the body), polycythemia (excess red blood cells), and anemia (deficient red blood cells).
hematoma
A hematoma, which is usually caused by an injury, is a swelling of clotted blood trapped in the tissues. The body eventually reabsorbs this blood. A hematoma is often named for the area where it occurs. For example, a subungual hematoma is blood trapped under a finger or toenail.
hematospermia
The presence of blood in the seminal fluid. This condition can be caused by infections of the seminal vesicles, prostatitis, urethritis, or urethral strictures.
hematuria
The presence of blood in the urine. This condition can be caused by kidney stones, infection, kidney damage, or bladder cancer.
hemianopia
Blindness in one-half of the visual field.
hemiparesis
Slight paralysis or weakness affecting one side of the body.
hemiplegia
Total affecting only one side of the body. This form of paralysis is usually associated with a stroke or brain damage. Damage to one side of the brain causes paralysis on the opposite side of the body. An individual affected with hemiplegia is known as a hemiplegic.
Hemoccult test
A laboratory test for hidden blood in the stools. This test kit is used to obtain the specimens at home, and these are then evaluated in a laboratory. Note: The term Hemoccult is capitalized because it is the name of the manufacturer. Also known as the fecal occult blood test.
hemochromatosis
A genetic disorder in which the intestines absorb too much iron. The excess iron that is absorbed enters the bloodstream and accumulates in organs where it causes damage.
hemodialysis
The process by which waste products are filtered directly from the patient?s blood. Treatment is performed on an external hemodialysis unit commonly referred as an artificial kidney. Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis.
hemoglobin A1c testing
A blood test that measures the average blood glucose level over the previous 3 to 4 months. Also known as HbA1c, and pronounced as ?H-B A-one-C?.
hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia is characterized by an inadequate number of circulating red blood cells due to the premature destruction of red blood cells by the spleen. Hemolytic means pertaining to breaking down of red blood cells.
hemophilia
A group of hereditary bleeding disorders in which a blood-clotting factor is missing. This blood coagulation disorder is characterized by spontaneous hemorrhages or severe bleeding following an injury.
hemoptysis
The expectoration of blood or blood-stained sputum derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes as the result of a pulmonary or bronchial hemorrhage.
hemorrhage
The loss of a large amount of blood in a short time. This term also means to bleed.
hemorrhagic stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks. A bleed also occurs when an aneurysm within the brain ruptures. An aneurysm is localized, weak, balloon-like enlargement of an artery wall. This type of stroke is less common than ischemic strokes and is often fatal. A hemorrhagic stroke affects the area of the brain damaged by the leaking blood.
hemorrhoidectomy
The surgical removal of hemorrhoids. Rubber band ligation is often used instead of surgery. Rubber bands cut off the circulation at the base of the hemorrhoid, causing it to eventually fall off. Ligation means the tying off of blood vessels or ducts.
hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids occur when a cluster of veins, muscles, and tissues slip near or through the anal opening. These veins can become inflamed, resulting in pain, fecal leakage, itching, and bleeding.
hemostasis
Hemostasis means to stop or control bleeding. This could be accomplished by the formation of a blood clot by the body or through the external application of pressure to block the flow of blood.
hemothorax
A collection of blood in the pleural cavity. This condition often results from chest trauma, such as a stab wound, or it can be caused by disease or surgery.
hepatectomy
The surgical removal of all or part of the liver.
hepatitis
An inflammation of the liver usually caused by a viral infection. Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants.
hepatomegaly
The abnormal enlargement of the liver.
hernia
The protrusion of a part or structure through the tissues normally containing it. This condition can cause GERD and pyrosis.
herniated disk
The breaking apart of an intervertebral disk that results in pressure on spinal nerve roots. Also known as a slipped or ruptured disk.
herpes labialis
Blister-like sores on the lips and adjacent facial tissue that are caused by the oral herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Most adults have been infected by this extremely common virus, and in some, it becomes reactivated periodically, causing cold sores.
herpes zoster
An acute viral infection characterized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of an inflamed nerve. This inflammation occurs when the dormant varicella (chickenpox) virus is reactivated later in life. A vaccine is available to prevent shingles; however, this treatment can be effective only if it is administered promptly.
Hertz (Hz)
A measure of sound frequency that determines how high or low a pitch is. Note: the singular and plural of hertz are the same.
hiatal hernia
An anatomical abnormality in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm.
high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is referred to as good cholesterol because it carries unneeded cholesterol back to the liver for processing and does not contribute to plaque buildup.
hip resurfacing
An alternative to removing the head of the femur. Function is restored to the hip by placing a metal cap over the head of the femur to allow it to move smoothly over a metal lining in the acetabulum.
hirsutism
The presence of excessive body and facial hair in women, usually occurring in a male pattern. This condition can be hereditary or caused by a hormonal imbalance.
Hodgkin?s lymphoma
Hodgkin?s lymphoma is distinguished from other lymphomas by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells. Also known as Hodgkin?s disease.
holistic
the term holistic refers to a treatment approach that takes into consideration the whole body and its environment, including the mind, body, and spirit.
Holter monitor
A portable electrocardiograph that is worn by an ambulatory patient is continuously monitor the heart rates and rhythms over a 24- or 48-hour period.
home blood glucose monitoring
Home blood glucose monitoring measures the current blood sugar level. This test, which requires a drop of blood, is performed by the patient.
homeopathy
Homeopathy involves the use of substances created from plant or mineral products diluted a thousand-fold in water or alcohol. Homeopaths believe that the body can stimulate its own healing responses when the right trigger is given in the minute doses, producing symptoms similar to the disease being treated.
homeostasis
The processes through which the body maintains a constant internal environment.
hordeolum
A pus-filled and often painful lesion on the eyelid resulting from an acute infection in an sebaceous gland. Also known as a stye.
horizontal recumbent position
In the horizontal recumbent position, the patient is lying on the back, face up. This position is used for examination and treatment of the anterior surface of the body and for x-rays.
hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
The use of the female hormones estrogen and progestin to replace those the body no longer produces during and after perimenopause.
hospital-acquired pneumonia
A type of pneumonia contracted during a stay in the hospital when a patient?s defenses are impaired. Patients on a respirator are particularly at risk. Also known as nosocomial pneumonia. Nosocomial means hospital-acquired.
human growth hormone (HGH)
A synthetic version of the growth hormone that is administered to stimulate growth when the natural supply of growth hormone is insufficient for normal development.
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
A bloodborne infection in which the virus damages or kills the T cells of the immune system, causing it to progressively fail, thus leaving the body at risk of developing many life-threatening opportunistic infections. Medical intervention including reverse transciptase (RT), protease, and fusion inhibitors can now prolong the patient?s life, especially if administered starting in the early stages of HIV. Commonly known as HIV.
human papillomavirus (HPV)
A virus that causes genital warts and cervical cancer.
Huntington?s disease (HD)
A genetic disorder that is passed from parent to child. Each child of a parent with the gene for Huntington?s disease has a 50-50 chance of inheriting this defective gene. This condition causes nerve degeneration with symptoms that most often appear in midlife. This damage eventually results in uncontrolled movements and the loss of some mental abilities.
hydrocele
A fluid-filled sac in the scrotum along the spermatic cord leading from the testicles. Note: The term hydrocele is also used to describe the accumulation of fluid in any body cavity.
hydrocephalus
A condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricles of the brain. This condition can occur at birth or develop later on in life from obstructions related to meningitis, brain tumors, or other causes.
hydronephrosis
The dilation (swelling) of one or both kidneys. This condition can be caused by problems associated with the backing up of urine due to an obstruction such as a nephrolith (kidney stone) or a stricture (narrowing) in the ureter.
hydroureter
The condition of the distention (swelling) of the ureter with urine that cannot flow because the ureter is blocked. Hydroureter always accompanies hydronephrosis.
hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a special chamber that allows air pressure to be raised up to three times higher than normal. The lungs and the bloodstream are thus able to absorb more oxygen, which is delivered throughout the body to promote healing and fight infection.
hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia is characterized by abnormally high concentrations of calcium circulating in the blood instead of being stored in the bones and teeth. This can lead to weakened bones and the formation of kidney stones.
hypercapnia
The abnormal buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood.
hyperemesis
the vomiting of blood. The substance that is vomited often resembles coffee grounds.
hyperesthesia
A condition of abnormal and excessive sensitivity to touch, pain, or other sensory stimuli.
hyperglycemia
An abnormally high concentration of glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia is seen primarily in patients with diabetes mellitus. The symptoms include polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria.
hypergonadism
The condition of excess secretion of hormones by the sex glands.
hyperhidrosis
A condition of excessive sweating in one area or over the whole body.
hyperinsulinism
The condition of excessive secretion of insulin in the bloodstream.
hyperkinesia
Abnormally increased muscle function or activity. Also known as hyperactivity.
hyperlipidemia
The general term used to describe elevated levels of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood.
hypermenorrhea
An excessive amount of menstrual flow over a period of more than 7 days.
hyperopia
A defect in which light rays focus beyond the retina. This condition can occur in childhood, but usually causes difficulty after age 40. Also known as farsightedness.
hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism, which is the overproduction of the parathyroid hormone, causes the condition known as hypercalcemia. Hyperparathyroidism can result from a disorder of the parathyroid gland or from a disorder elsewhere in the body, such as kidney failure.
hyperpituitarism
The excess secretion of growth hormone that causes acromegaly and gigantism.
hyperplasia
The enlargement of an organ or tissue because of an abnormal increase in the number of cells in the tissues.
hyperpnea
Hyperpnea, which is commonly associated with exertion, is breathing that is deeper and more rapid than is normal at rest. Hyperpnea may also occur at high altitude, or be caused by anemia or sepsis.
hyperproteinuria
The presence of abnormally high concentration of protein in the urine.
hypertension (HTN)
The elevation of arterial blood pressure to a level that is likely to cause damage to the cardiovascular system. Commonly known as high blood pressure.
hyperthermia
An extremely high fever.
hyperthyroidism
The overproduction of thyroid hormone, which causes an imbalance of the metabolism. This causes symptoms including an increased metabolic rate, sweating, nervousness, and weight loss. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism in Graves? disease.
hypertrophy
A general increase in the bulk of a body part or organ that is due to an increase in the size, but not in the number, of cells in the tissues. This enlargement is not due to tumor formation.
hyperventilation
An abnormally rapid rate of deep respiration that is usually associated with anxiety. This decreases the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, causing dizziness and tingling in the fingers and toes.
hypnosis
A type of therapy in which a patient is placed in a state of focused concentration and narrowed attention that makes him or her more susceptible to suggestions, and then given suggestions directed toward the patient?s treatment goal.
hypnotherapy
The use of hypnosis to produce an altered state of focused attention in which the patient may be more willing to believe and act on suggestions. It is used for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and behavioral modification.
hypnotic
A hypnotic depresses the central nervous system and usually produces sleep.
hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia is characterized by abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood.
hypochondriasis
Hypochondriasis is characterized by fearing the one has a serious illness despite appropriate medical evaluation and reassurance. A person exhibiting this syndrome is known as a hypochondiac.
hypoglycemia
Abnormally low concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Symptoms include nervousness and shakiness, confusion, perspiration, or feeling anxious or weak.
hypogonadism
The condition of deficient secretion of hormones by the sex glands.
hypomenorrhea
An unusually small amount of menstrual flow during a shortened regular menstrual period.
hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is caused by insufficient or absent secretion of the parathyroid hormone. This condition causes hypocalcemia, and in severe cases, it leads to tetany. Tetany is the condition of periodic, painful muscle spasms and tremors.
hypoperfusion
A deficiency of blood passing through an organ or body part. Perfusion is the flow of blood through the vessels of an organ.
hypophysectomy
The removal of abnormal glandular tissue. This surgery is performed through the nasal passages.
hypoplasia
The incomplete development of an organ or tissue usually due to a deficiency in the number of cells.
hypopnea
Shallow or slow respiration.
hypoproteinemia
The presence of abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood. This condition is often associated with hyperproteinuria.
hypospadias
A congenital abnormality of the urethral opening. In the male with hypospadias, the urethral opening is on the ventral surface (underside) of the penis. In the female with hypospadias, the urethra opens into the vagina.
hypotension
Lower-than-normal arterial blood pressure. Symptoms can include dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting.
hypothermia
An abnormally low body temperature.
hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is caused by a deficiency of thyroid secretion. Symptoms include fatigue, depression, sensitivity to cold, and a decreased metabolic rate.
hypotonia
A condition in which there is diminished tone of the skeletal muscles.
hypoxemia
The condition of having low oxygen levels in the blood, usually due to respiratory disorders or heart conditions.
hypoxia
The condition of having deficient oxygen levels in the body?s tissues and organs; however, it is less severe than anoxia. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including heading trauma, carbon monoxide poisoning, suffocation, and high altitudes.
hysterectomy
The surgical removal of the uterus. The procedure is further described depending upon the structures that are removed.
hysterosalpingography (HSG)
A radiographic examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test requires the instillation of radio-opaque contrast material into the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes to make them visible.
hysteroscopy
The direct visual examination of the interior of the uterus. This examination is performed by using the magnification of a hysteroscope.
