Glossary

H. pylori: (helicobacter pylori) A bacteria that can cause ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. People with H. pylori infection may not have symptoms, or they may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or frequent burping.
Heartburn: A symptom gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Helminth: Also known as parasitic worms.
Hematochezia: Red blood in the stool.
Hepatic: Referring to the liver.
Hepatic Flexure: The bend in the large intestine that is located on the right side of the abdomen just under the liver and connects the ascending colon with the transverse colon.
HES: See Hypereosinophilic Syndrome.
Hiatal Hernia: A condition in which a small part of the upper stomach pushes through the diaphragm. A sliding hiatal hernia is usually asymptomatic or only causes occasional minor heartburn. A non-sliding hiatal hernia may easily become strangulated, thus requiring surgical correction to prevent potentially serious complications.
Hiccough: A spasm of the diaphragm. Also spelled hiccup.
High Power Field (HPF): A term used to describe the area examined under a microscope.
Histamine: A chemical your body produces in response to an allergic reaction. It also mediates several other biological activities in the body. There are 4 histamine receptors (H1-4) that are found on cells. Antihistamines, like Benadryl®, block some of the histamine receptors, and relieve symptoms of the allergic reaction.
Histology Scoring System: A tool by which data can be obtained from tissues.
Hives: (See also Urticaria) A raised and red skin reaction caused by a local or systemic exposure to a substance that is typically triggered by local mast cell activation.
HPF: See High Power Field.
HSS: See Histology Scoring System.
Hydrochloric Acid (HCL): A component of gastric acid that is produced by cells in the lining of the stomach. This acid helps digest food in the stomach.
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES): A rare group of conditions that are associated with persistent eosinophilia with evidence of organ involvement.
Hyperplasia: An increase in the number of cells in an organ that leads to increased thickness or size of the organ.
Hypoallergenic: Low potential to cause allergic reactions.