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Glossary of HES Terms
This glossary was designed to provide you with background information that may help you understand and discuss HES. You can also download this information as a PDF file to use as an easy reference guide.
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Allergist
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of immune system diseases, such as rashes or allergic reactions. Another name for an allergist is an immunologist.
Allergen
A substance, such as pollen or dust, that produces an allergic reaction.Bone Marrow Biopsy
A procedure that removes a small amount of the bone and bone marrow (the soft tissue found inside the bones of the body). The bone marrow is then viewed under a microscope to determine if there is cancer, infection or other bone disorders.Cardiologist
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels.
Complete Blood Count
A test to measure the number of white and red blood cells in the body. White blood cells protect the body against infection, and red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.Dermatologist
A doctor who is trained to evaluate and manage conditions that affect the skin, hair and nails.Echocardiogram
A test that uses high-pitched sound waves (ultrasound) to take moving pictures of a person's heart that can be seen on a video screen. A doctor will use an echocardiogram to find out how well a person's heart valves are working or why a person has chest pain.
Electrocardiogram
A type of test that measures the electrical signals that control the rhythm of a person's heartbeat. A doctor may use this test to find out whether a patient has a heart condition.
Enzyme
A protein that increases the rate of chemical reactions in the body. An enzyme may be involved in different processes in the body, such as digestion and blood clotting. A protein is a molecule that is needed for the body to function properly.
Eosinophil
Eosinophils, one of five types of white blood cells, are part of the body's defense system against parasites and are also involved in allergic responses.
Eosinophilia
An abnormal increase in the number of eosinophils (white blood cells) in the blood.Gastroenterologist
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the digestive system, including the colon and intestines.Hematologist
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the blood and the blood system.
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES)
A group of rare disorders characterized by persistent and marked buildup of eosinophils (white blood cells) in the blood and organs. HES can affect any number of organs including the heart, lungs, intestines and skin and is often difficult to diagnose. People with HES may have a broad range of symptoms including weakness, fatigue, cough or rash. Another term for (HES) is idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome.Immunologist
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of immune system diseases. Another name for an immunologist is an allergist.Leukocyte
A white blood cell, which helps to protect the body against infection.Protein
A molecule that is needed for the body to function properly.
Pulmonologist
A doctor who treats problems with the lungs and airways, such as difficulty breathing or chronic cough.Red Blood Cell
A cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Rheumatologist
A doctor who diagnoses and treats arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.Serum IgE Test
A type of test used to determine whether or not a person has an allergy to a medication or to the environment (e.g., pollen).Vitamin B12
A vitamin that helps the body to make red blood cells. A red blood cell carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.