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HSV

Herpes simplex virus

Hughes syndrome

Also known as antiphospholipid syndrome. A type of autoimmune disease, caused by overactivity of the immune system. It is associated with thrombosis and, in women of childbearing age, recurrent miscarriage.

human leucocyte antigen test

A blood test that detects antigens (a substance that can trigger an immune response) on white blood cells.

human papilloma virus

A sexually transmitted virus that can cause genital warts and may also have a role in the development of various cancers.

Hutchinson's freckle

A tan patch on the skin that grows slowly, and becomes mottled, dark, thick and nodular. It occurs chiefly during middle and old age.

HVS

high vaginal swab

hydatidiform mole

A complication of pregnancy in which an abnormal fertilised egg implants in the uterus and grows multiple cysts - looking like a bunch of grapes - instead of a normal embryo. Occasionally it can develop into a rare type of cancer called choriocarcinoma.

hydrocephalus

Excess levels of fluid within the brain.

hydrocoele

A soft, painless swelling in the scrotum caused by the space around a testicle filling with fluid. this may be caused by injury, infection or inflammation.

hydronephrosis

Swollen kidneys as a result of an obstruction in the urinary tract.

hydrotherapy

The use of water in rehabilitation, for example, controlled exercises in swimming pools.

hymen

The thin membrane around the vaginal opening.

hyoscine

An anticholinergic drug.

hyperaldosteronism

Excess secretion of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal glands.

hypercalcaemia

an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood.

hypercholesterolaemia

High levels of cholesterol in the blood.

hyperemesis gravidarum

Extreme nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, which may lead to dehydration, nutritional deficiency and poor pregnancy weight gain.

hypergammaglobulinaemia

Increased blood levels of gamma globulin, usually associated with liver disease.

hyperglycaemia

A high level of glucose in the blood.

hyperhidrosis

A condition that causes excessive sweating.

hyperlipidaemia

A metabolic disorder characterised by high levels of lipids in the blood.

hyperosmolar hyperglycaemia

Also known as hyperosmolar non-ketotic state - a state of having very high levels of glucose in the blood, most commonly associated with type 2 diabetes.

hyperparathyroidism

Excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone from the parathyroid glands.

hyperpituitarism

The excessive production of growth hormone.