Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

hiatal hernia
See 
hernia, hiatal.
HIB
Haemophilus influenzae type B.
HIB immunization
See 
Haemophilus influen-
zae type B immunization.
hibernation reaction
See 
seasonal affective
disorder.
hiccough
See 
hiccup.
hiccup
An extraordinary type of breathing move-
ment that involves a sudden intake of air (inspira-
tion) due to a sudden involuntary contraction of the
diaphragm, accompanied by closure of the glottis in
the larynx. Closure of the glottis then halts the
incoming air. The column of air strikes the closed
glottis to produce the characteristic sound of a hic-
cup. Prolonged hiccups can become a major med-
ical problem and be a sign of underlying disease
(such as lung cancer or tumors in or around the
diaphragm). Intractable hiccups can be painful and
require medication to cause them to stop. In some
patients with tic disorders, hiccups can be a tic. Also
known as a singultus and hiccough.
hidradenitis suppurativa
An illness character-
ized by multiple abscesses of the skin that form in
and around oil and sweat glands and hair follicles,
most commonly under the armpits and in the groin
area. Hydradenitis suppurativa is treated by antibi-
otics and anti-inflammatory medications often along
with surgical resection of the involved skin.
high blood pressure
A repeatedly elevated
blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg.
Chronic high blood pressure can stealthily cause
blood vessel changes in the back of the eye (retina),
abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, kidney
failure, and brain damage. No specific cause for
high blood pressure is found in 95 percent of
patients. Treatment for high blood pressure involves
dietary changes, regular aerobic exercise, and med-
ication. There are many types of medications used
to treat high blood pressure including diuretics,
beta-blockers, blood vessel dilators, and others.
Also known as hypertension.