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Herpes zoster oticus

A viral infection of the inner, middle and external ear.

herpetic

Associated with herpes viral infection.

hiatus hernia

Protrusion of abdominal contents into the chest cavity through an abnormally large gap in the diaphragm

hidradenitis

Inflammation of sweat glands.

hidradenoma

A benign tumour that originates in a sweat gland.

HIFU

An abbreviation for high intensity focused ultrasound, a relatively new method for treating cancer using focused ultrasound waves.

high-sensitivity C-reactive protein

A protein found in the blood. Raised levels indicate inflammation, and can be used to estimate a person's risk of cardiovascular disease.

hilar lymph nodes

The lymph nodes of the lungs.

Hirschsprung’s disease

A congenital disorder in which the rectum and sometimes the lower part of the colon lack the cells that control the contractions of the intestines.

histiocytosis X

A disease in which there is an excess of a type of immune cell called histocytes, leading to varied symptoms that may affect any part of the body.

HIV

The abbreviation for human immunodeficiency virus, which is the cause of AIDS.

HLA

human leucocyte antigen

HLA B27

Human leukocyte antigen B27, a protein present on the surface of white blood cells in some autoimmune diseases and sometimes in healthy individuals

HLAB27 test

A laboratory test that is used to help strengthen or confirm a diagnosis of the spondoarthritides. It is not a definitive test but is used as one piece of evidence tohelp build up an overall picture.

homocysteine

A type of amino acid (the building block of all proteins).

hookworm

an intestinal parasite.

hormone

A substance produced by a gland in one part of the body and carried by the blood to the organs or tissues where it has an effect.

hormone replacement therapy

The administration of female hormones in cases where they are not sufficiently produced by the body. Abbreviated to HRT.

hormone-refractory

Unresponsive to hormone therapy.

Horner's syndrome

A group of physical signs affecting one side of the face that indicate nerve damage.

host

An animal or plant that supports a parasite.

hostile cervical mucus

A thick form of mucus that prevents the sperm from entering the cervix.

HPV

An abbreviation for human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause genital warts and may also have a role in the development of various cancers.

HRT

Abbreviation for hormone replacement therapy, the administration of female hormones in cases where they are not sufficiently produced by the body.