Medical dictionary

What is it? Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a lung inflammation due to breathing in dust, fungus, or mould, especially among people who are exposed to these substances on a daily basis. It can also be caused by being exposed to heating, air conditioning, and some chemical substances. Pneumopathy often affects people who work with birds and are exposed to the proteins in their feathers an

What is hypersomnia? Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder in which the patient suffers from daytime sleepiness and struggle to stay awake throughout the day. Hypersomnia may occur due to unknown reasons, or it may result from other issues, such as sleep apnoea or insomnia. Hypersomnia is a condition that significantly affects the person who suffers from it, decreasing their performance capac

What is hypertension? Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common chronic condition where your resting blood pressure is persistently higher than what is considered a normal reading of 120/80mmHg (millimetres of mercury). If your systolic pressure (the force of your blood against the artery walls when your heart beats) is persistently higher than 140mmHg and your diastolic pr

What is oncological hyperthermia? Oncological hyperthermia is an alternative technique for treating cancer tumours which aims to destroy the tumour through heat. Hyperthermia was the first treatment for cancer in human history, but due to poor accuracy and the risks involved, it is no longer part of standard medical treatment for cancer. However, there are a limited number of clinical trials in

What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism, otherwise known as overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the base of the neck, and it is responsible for producing thyroid hormone, which helps to control metabolism. This affects functions in the body such as temperature, and the internal body clock (affecting sleep). An

What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy? Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is primarily a disease of the heart muscle characterised by increased wall thickness due to internal causes of the muscle itself. This thickening of the heart wall is known as hypertrophy, which can make it difficult for the heart to pump blood. Prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a di

What is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)? The definition of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is an absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. Lack of sexual desire, or hypoactive sexual desire disorder, refers to low interest in sexual intercourse, either temporarily or permanently. It affects both men and women, and may be primary (the person has never felt muc

What is hypocalcaemia?   Hypocalcaemia refers to low calcium levels in the blood. The normal range is defined as between 2.1 and 2.6mmol/L, and anything lower than 2.1mmol/L is referred to as hypocalcaemia. If the disorder is prolonged, it can lead to a malformation of the bones as they can become brittle, i.e break or fracture more easily.     What are the sympto

What is a hypocaloric diet?A hypocaloric diet is that is low in calories. The main aim of a hypocaloric diet is to either lose weight in the short term or to help manage another condition, such as type 2 diabetes. Hypocaloric diets are sometimes known as very low calories diets (VLCD). These should be clinically supervised because the calorific intake is usually a third of the average intake (roug