Medical dictionary

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves the delivery of oxygen at a higher pressure than normal to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Why is it done? In the UK hyperbaric oxygen therapy is mainly used as a treatment in emergency situations such as: Decompression sickness – a condition caused by returning to normal air pressure levels

What is hypercalcaemia? Hypercalcaemia is a fluid and electrolyte disorder in which there are higher levels of calcium in the blood than usual. The normal level of calcium in the blood ranges from 2.1mmol/L to 2.6mmol/L, and anything greater than this is defined as hypercalcaemia. Hypercalcaemia is relatively common, and if the increase is mild, it tends to be asymptomatic. However

What is hypercholesterolemia? Hypercholesterolemia is an increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood above what is considered normal. The elevated level of cholesterol is related to coronary problems, lifestyle, gender, and diet. Various factors play a role in the disease; genetic and dietary factors need to be taken into account, as well as other ones related to physical activity.

What is hyperferritinaemia? Hyperferritinaemia is a condition in which the body has an excess of ferritin – a protein involved in storing iron, due to its ability to bind to it. Excess ferritin is a marker of iron overload diseases, such as haemochromatosis. Whether associated with another disease or not, hyperferritinaemia can have one serious complication: cataracts. Mutations in the fe

  What is hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive sweating. Sweating, also referred to as perspiration, is a skin function that helps to maintain body temperature constant. However, uncontrolled, unpredictable, excessive sweating , i.e. hyperhidrosis, can adversely affect social and professional relationships. People with hyperhidrosis hav

What is joint hypermobility? Joint hypermobility, also called hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a hereditary disorder that occurs when a person has greater flexibility in joints, tendons, muscles and cartilage.   What are the symptoms? Joint hypermobility can produce symptoms such as: Backaches and scoliosis Pain in muscles and joints, such as the knees, finge

What is hyperopia? Hyperopia (also known as hypermetropia, farsightedness or long-sightedness) is a very common eye condition in which distant objects will appear clearly, but objects closer up can appear blurry. If you suffer from hyperopia, your eyes are better at focusing on distant objects than nearby ones. Hyperopia generally affects adults over the age of 40, however, it can affect people

What is hyperparathyroidism? Hyperparathyroidism refers to an excess of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream. This occurs due to overactivity in one (or more) of the body’s parathyroid glands. There are four parathyroid glands in the body, which are found in the neck and produce parathyroid hormone. This hormone helps to maintain the right balance of calcium in the body and its tissues.

What is hyperprolactinaemia? Hyperprolactinaemia is a condition caused by abnormally high levels of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by a gland located at the base of the head. In women, it is responsible for milk production during pregnancy (galactorrhoea) and for breast development during puberty (together with oestrogen). In men, it is associated with sexual desire, gy