Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «P»:
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Peripheral artery disease - legs
Peripheral artery disease is a condition of the blood vessels that leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply the legs and feet.
The narrowing of the blood vessels leads to decreased blood flow, which can injure nerves and other tissues.
Causes
Peripheral artery disease is caused ...
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Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a problem with the nerves that carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord. This can produce pain, loss of sensation, and an inability to control muscles.
"Peripheral" means nerves further out from the center of the body, distant from the brain and spinal cord.
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Peripherally inserted central catheter
You have a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). This is a tube that goes into a vein in your arm. It will help carry nutrients and medicine into your body. It will also be used to take blood when you need to have blood tests.
These catheters are used when people need medical treatment over...
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Perirenal abscess
Perirenal abscess is a pocket of pus caused by an infection around one or both kidneys.
Causes
Most perirenal abscesses are caused by urinary tract infections that start in the bladder, spread to the kidney, and then spread to the area around the kidney. Other causes of perirenal abscess include su...
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Peristalsis
Peristalsis is a series of organized muscle contractions that occur throughout the digestive tract. Peristalsis is also seen in the tubular organs that connect the kidneys to the bladder.
Peristalsis is an automatic and important process that moves food through the digestive system. It also moves ur...
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Peritoneal fluid analysis
Peritoneal fluid analysis is a laboratory test to examine fluid that has collected in in the area of the abdomen that contains the gastrointestinal organs. This area is called the peritoneal space.
How the Test is Performed
The sample of fluid is removed from the periotoneal space using a needle an...
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Peritoneal fluid culture
Peritoneal fluid culture is a laboratory test performed on a sample of peritoneal fluid to detect bacteria or fungi that cause infection (peritonitis).
Peritoneal fluid is the fluid from the peritoneal cavity, a space between the wall of the abdomen and the organs inside.
How the Test is Performed
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Peritonitis
Peritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum, the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs.
Causes
A collection of pus in the abdomen, called an intra-abdominal abscess, may cause peritonitis.
See the specific types of peritonitis...
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Peritonitis - dialysis associated
Dialysis-associated peritonitis is inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) that occurs in someone who receives peritoneal dialysis.
Causes
Dialysis-associated peritonitis may be caused by bacteria that get into the area during the dialysis procedure. Skin bacteria or fungi c...
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Peritonitis - secondary
Secondary peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs.
Secondary means it is due to another condition, most commonly the spread of an infection from the digestive tract.
Causes
Secondary peritonit...
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Peritonitis - spontaneous
Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs.
Causes
Spontaneous peritonitis is usually caused by infection of ascites, a collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. This usually occurs from liver o...
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Peritonsillar abscess
Peritonsillar abscess is a collection of infected material in the area around the tonsils.
See also: Retropharyngeal abscess
Causes
Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis. It is most often caused by a type of bacteria called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.
Peritonsillar absce...
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Periventricular leukomalacia
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a type of brain injury that affects infants. The condition involves the death of small areas of brain tissue around fluid-filled areas called ventricles. The damage creates "holes" in the brain. "Leuko" refers to the brain's white matter and "peri" refers to the...
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Personality disorders
Personality disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions in which chronic behavior patterns cause serious problems with relationships and work.
Causes
The exact cause of personality disorders is unknown. However, many genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.
Mental health pr...
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Pertussis
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing. The coughing can make it hard to breathe. A deep "whooping" sound is often heard when the patient tries to take a breath.
Causes
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an upper respirato...
