Health A to Z

Hirschsprung's disease

A section of bowel born without nerve cells. A newborn who has not passed meconium in 48 hours needs assessing.

HIV

Also called Human immunodeficiency virus

A manageable long-term condition with a normal life expectancy. On effective treatment, it cannot be passed on.

Hives

Also called Urticaria, Nettle rash, Angioedema

Raised itchy weals that come and go within hours. Usually harmless, and occasionally the first sign of anaphylaxis.

Hoarding disorder

Persistent difficulty parting with possessions, to the point where living space stops working. A mental health condition, not a cleaning problem.

Huntington's disease

An inherited condition affecting movement, thinking and mood. Every child of an affected parent has a one in two chance.

Hydrocephalus

Also called Water on the brain, Normal pressure hydrocephalus, NPH

Fluid building up in the brain. In older people, one of the few treatable causes of a dementia-like picture.

Hydronephrosis

Also called Swollen kidney, Obstructed kidney

Urine backing up and swelling the kidney. An obstructed, infected kidney is an emergency needing drainage, not just antibiotics.

Hyperacusis

Also called Noise sensitivity, Sound sensitivity, Misophonia

Ordinary sounds that are physically painful or intolerable. Ear defenders help in the moment and make it worse if worn all the time.

Hyperglycaemia

Also called High blood sugar

Blood glucose too high. Usually manageable at home, and the reason to check ketones rather than just repeating the glucose test.

Hypermobility

Also called Joint hypermobility syndrome, Hypermobility spectrum disorder, Double-jointed

Joints that move beyond the normal range. A party trick for some, a source of chronic pain and fatigue for others.