Globetrotter's Pocket Doc - the only English international medical communication book for travelers to foreign countries

H2 blockers (H2 receptor antagonists):

These medications block the production of acid from the stomach. Examples are Tagamet(cimetidine), Pepcid (famotidine),Axid(nizatidine), and Zantac (ranitidine) etc.. These originally were developed and made available for use in the late 1970s. This group of medications is commonly used for treating ulcers and GERD. It is less effective in some patients for treating GERD. The dose of medication which is available in pharmacies without a prescription is approximately ½ of those used by physicians.

H2RA:

Also known as H2 receptor as antagonists. The H2 blockers.

Heartburn:

A generic term for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

H. Pylori:

A spiral shaped bacteria found in the stomach. It was previously called Campylobacter pylori. H. Pylori damages the stomach and duodenal tissue causing ulcers. Eradication will allow for a significant decrease in the rate of recurrent peptic ulcer disease.

Hemochromatosis:

A disease in which the body absorbs too much iron. The body stores the excess iron first in the liver and then in pancreas and other organs. As iron overload occurs liver function test rise. The subsequent chronic inflammation of the liver can result in cirrhosis.

Hemorrhoidectomy:

A surgical operation to remove hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids:

small and dilated blood muscles around the anus and the lower rectum. These may cause itching pain and bleeding.

Hepatic:

A term used to indicate that the liver is involved.

Hepatic coma:

A condition where the patient is a been able to communicate due to poor liver function. By products of normal metabolism are usually cleared by the liver. Patients with cirrhosis do not clear these byproducts as well and have reduced mental function. This condition can be precipitated by infection, abnormal electrolytes, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The treatment is identification of the underlying problem, correction of the problems and addition of lactulose on an acute or chronic basis. Also known as hepatic encephalopathy.

Hepatic encephalopathy:

See hepatic coma.

Hepatitis:

An irritation or inflammation of the liver. The term hepatitis alone is nonspecific. It may because by viral, alcohol, or autoimmune etiologies.

Hepatitis A:

An infection of the liver. The virus is spread by contaminated food and water. It causes jaundice and illness for approximately 2 3 months.

Hepatitis B:

A virus which causes infection of the liver. The virus is usually spread by sexual intercourse or blood transfusion. It may be spread from mother to newborn at birth. When HBV is acquired as an adult, jaundice and illness lasting for 2-3 months occur. Adult acquisition is also characterized by the development of immunity. If the infection is acquired as a child, the illness is less severe but chronic hepatitis B may occur.

Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG):

An immune globulin shot which allows patients have short-term protection from hepatitis B. It is commonly used when individuals travel to foreign countries when a vaccination program cannot be completely prior to travel.

Hepatitis B vaccine:

A series of vaccinations which allows patients develop antibodies to hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C:

A virus usually spread by blood transfusion or intravenous drug use. Other risk factors for the transmission of hepatitis C include tattoos and sexual contact. In the past, hepatitis C was described Non-A Non-B hepatitis or transfusion associated hepatitis. At present, there are 4 million cases in the United States. It represent an epidemic and is the leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States.

Hepatitis D (delta):

A virus associated with hepatitis B. It is an opportunistic virus which requires the presence of hepatitis B in order to be expressed.

Hepatitis E:

A virus which is spread through unclean water. It is uncommon in United States. It is associated with developing countries especially during monsoon seasons. It is especially important for patients who may be pregnant since loss of fetus can occur in some of these patients.

Hepatologist:

A doctor who specializes in liver diseases. Usually specific training in hepatitis in liver diseases is required.

Hepatology:

The field of medicine concerned with the function, structure, disorders and treatment of liver diseases.

Hepatotoxin:

A substance or medication which causes inflammation to the liver.

Hernia:

A part of an internal organ which is introduced into another portion of the body. This usually occurs with hiatal hernias or inguinal hernias.

Herniorrhaphy:

An operation to repair hernia. To repair a hiatal hernia would be called a hiatal herniorraphy.

Hiatal Hernia:

A small opening in the diaphragm allows for the upper portion of the stomach to move backwards into the chest. This is a dynamic condition with the upper stomach changing its position between the upper stomach and lower chest. This is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn and epigastric abdominal pain.

Hirschsprung's Disease:

A birth defect in which some nerve cells are lacking in the large intestine. As a result, the intestine is does not contract appropriately resulting in constipation and fecal impaction. Megacolon is also associated.

Hormone:

A substance manufactured by the body which regulates other organs. Gastrin is an example of this. Thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroid, hormone are also examples.

Hydrochloric Acid (HCl):

The type of acid secreted by the stomach.

Hydrogen Breath Test:

A test utilized for lactose intolerance. It measures breath samples for too much hydrogen. This test is not commonly used a today.

Hyperalimentation:

Any form of providing nutrition to individuals who have malnutrition. This may take the form of parenteral (IV) nutrition or enteral nutrition.

Hyperbilirubinemia:

A condition in which bilirubin is elevated within the blood. This usually is reflected by jaundice or yellowing of the eyes. In most cases, the liver does not function well. Gallstones can cause this problem.

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