Pain Dictionary

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Haemostasis
The process that induces blood clotting and controls bleeding.

Homeostasis
The process by which the body maintains health in order to survive. The maintenance of normality is a delicate balance and includes regulation of blood pressure, temperature, pH etc.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)
Also known as hyaluronan. It is the main polysaccharide component (glycosaminoglycan) of the extracellular matrix and is found in most areas of the body. Tissues show an increase in HA in the early stages of repair and regeneration. HA stimulates cytokine production by macrophages to promote angiogenesis.

Hydrocolloid
A waterproof, occlusive dressing that consists of a mixture of pectin, gelatine, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and elastomers. Hydrocolloids create an environment that encourages autolysis to debride wounds that are sloughy or necrotic. As the hydrocolloid mixes with exudate, it produces a yellow gel with a characteristic odour.

Hydrofibre
A highly absorbent wound dressing made up of 100% Hydrocolloid (Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose). The hydrocolloid is spun into fibres and needled to make a soft, non-woven fleece-like dressing that comes as a sheet or ribbon. An alternative to alginate dressing. The dressing retains a high quantity of water without releasing it, thereby forming a thick conformable gel.

Hydrogel
A dressing that comes as a sheet or gel. Sheets are used for shallow or low exuding wounds. The gels are suitable for cavities and are effective for desloughing and debriding wounds. Gels have a high water content, which aids the rehydration of hard eschar and promotes autolysis in necrotic wounds. Secondary dressing is required to keep the gel moist and in situ. To prevent possible maceration a protective barrier film may be applied on peri-wound areas.

Hypoxia
Deficiency in the amount of oxygen delivered to the body tissues. All wounds are hypoxic at first, a situation that may persist in chronic wounds. There is considerable evidence that early hypoxia has a stimulatory effect on the healing process, while the persistence of low oxygen tension may actually impair wound repair.