TERMINOLOGY

DEFINITION

Hay fever

A form of allergy due to the pollen of grass, flowers, trees and other plants characterized by the inflammation of the membrane lining the nose and sometimes the eyes.

HDL

High Density Lipoprotein. The good cholesterol that “cleans” the blood and creates a feeling of well being.

Headache

Acute or chronic localized or generalized pain occurring anywhere in the head especially the temples, forehead and area covered by the hair.

Hemorrhage

Uncontrolled or abnormal bleeding occurring anywhere in the body.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection or drug toxicity. It may lead to liver failure if left untreated especially in the early stages.

Herpes simplex

A cold sore or fever sore caused by a virus characterized by the eruption of sores around the lips and nostrils

Herpes zoster

A more severe form of herpes or viral infection characterized by rashes that blister with pus and darken like burns on one side of the body usually involving nerves. It is extremely painful and can be caused by lowered immunity after contracting it from an infected person.

High blood pressure (HBP)

Persistently high blood pressure in the arteries or vessels carrying blood from the heart to the tissues. Complications that may arise from hypertension include Atherosclerosis, heart failure, cerebral bleeding or bleeding of blood vessels in the head, and kidney failure.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus that cause AIDS by progressively destroying the CD4 –T lymphocyte cells that protect the body from disease and infection

Immune system

A system in the body that protects the body from infection and disease by attacking and destroying disease causing organisms or substances. When the system is compromised, common ailments take long to heal and in the case of AIDS, they do not heal in the terminal phase leading to total body destruction and death.

Incontinence

Inability to contain or retain urine. May be due to poor sphincter control, stress, surgery or illness.

Indigestion/

Dyspepsia (stomach cramps, stomach ache)

The inability of the Gastro-intestinal system to breakdown and process foods normally. Stomach upset, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, headaches and palpitations may characterize this.

Inflammation

A localized tissue or cellular reaction resulting from injury, irritation or infection.

Influenza (flu)

A contagious acute, airborne disease caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms may include fever, chills, cold-like symptoms, fatigue, feeling of being unwell, weakness and in sever cases can be fatal.

Insomnia

The inability to sleep at night. May manifest through short sleeping patterns, disturbed sleep and the inability to sleep altogether.

Intestinal infections

Infections that affect the digestive system

Irritability

Feeling unsettled and easily provoked by matters or things that normally would not.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The malfunction of the colon or large intestine characterized by altered bowel function, constipation or diarrhea, hyper-secretion of intestinal mucus, flatulence, nausea, anorexia and varying degrees of anxiety and depression.

Kidney disorders

See renal