Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «P»:
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Pes planus
Pes planus is a condition in which the arch or instep of the foot collapses and comes in contact with the ground. In some individuals, this arch never develops while they are growing.
Causes
Flat feet are a common condition. In infants and toddlers, the arch is not developed and flat feet are norma...
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Pesticides
Pesticides are substances that help protect plants against molds, fungi, rodents, and insects.
Pesticides help prevent crop loss and, potentially, human disease.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are currently more than 865 registered pesticides.
Man-made pesticides are regulat...
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Pesticides on fruits and vegetables
To help protect yourself and your family from pesticides on fruits and vegetables, remove the outer leaves of leafy vegetables and then rinse the vegetables. Peel hard-skinned produce, or rinse it with lots of warm water mixed with salt and lemon juice or vinegar. Alternatively, you may want to buy ...
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PET scan
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for disease in the body.
Unlike magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which reveal the structure of and blood flow to and from organs, a PET scan sh...
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Petit mal seizure
A petit mal seizure is the term commonly given to a staring spell, most commonly called an "absence seizure." It is a brief (usually less than 15 seconds) disturbance of brain function due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Petit mal seizures occur most commonly in people under age 20, us...
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Petrositis
Petrositis is an inflammation of the temporal bone, a bone in the skull that surrounds the ear. This inflammation goes deep to the inner ear. It is sometimes associated with otitis media (middle ear infection).
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Pets and the immunocompromised person
Persons with weakened immune systems are often advised to give up their pets to avoid getting various diseases from the animals. Persons in this category include those who take high doses of steroids and others who have:
Alcoholism
Cancer
Cirrhosis
Diabetes
Had an organ transplant
Had their spleen ...
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Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a disorder often passed down through families (inherited) in which the person develops intestinal polyps and is at a significantly higher risk for developing certain cancers.
Causes
It is unknown how many people are affected by PJS. However, the National Institutes o...
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Phantom limb pain
After one of your limbs is amputated, you may feel as if the limb is still there. This is called phantom sensation. It may feel:
Tingly
Prickly
Numb
Hot or cold
Like your missing toes or fingers are moving
Like your missing limb is still there, or is in a funny position
Like your missing limb is ge...
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Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat, between the tonsils and the voicebox (larynx).
See also:
Gonococcal pharyngitis
Infectious mononucleosis
Strep throat
Viral pharyngitis
Causes
Many germs can cause pharyngitis.
Viruses are the most common cause...
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Pharyngitis - viral
Viral pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx (the part of the throat between the tonsils and the larynx).
Causes
Viral pharyngitis is the most common cause of a sore throat.
Pharyngitis may occur as part of a viral infection that also involves other organ systems, such as the lungs or bowel.
Sy...
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Phencyclidine overdose
Phencyclidine, or PCP, is an illegal street drug that can cause hallucinations and severe agitation. This article discusses overdose due to PCP. An overdose is when you take more than the normal or recommended amount of something, usually a drug. An overdose may result in serious, harmful symptoms o...
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Phenindamine overdose
Phenindamine is a type of medication called an antihistamine, which helps relieve allergy symptoms. Phenindamine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatme...
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Pheniramine overdose
Pheniramine is a type of medication called an antihistamine, which helps relieve allergy symptoms. Pheniramine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment...
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Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare condition in which a baby is born without the ability to properly break down an amino acid called phenylalanine.
Causes
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is inherited, which means it is passed down through families. Both parents must pass on the defective gene in order for a bab...
