Paget's Disease of the Bone
What is Paget's disease of the bone? Paget's disease of the bone is a chronic bone disorder in which bones become enlarged and deformed. Bone may become dense, but fragile,…
What is pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in men and women in the US. According to the American Cancer Society, it is…
What is panic disorder? Panic disorder is characterized by chronic, repeated, and unexpected panic attacks - bouts of overwhelming fear of being in danger when there is no specific cause…
Parathyroid Tumor
What is a parathyroid tumor? A parathyroid tumor is a growth inside a parathyroid gland. Parathyroid tumors may cause increased levels of parathyroid hormones secreted by the parathyroid glands, leading…
Parkinson's Disease (Condition)
What is Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's disease (PD or, simply, Parkinson's) is the most common form of parkinsonism, a group of motor system disorders. It is a slowly progressing, degenerative disease…
Pelvis Problems
What is the pelvis? The pelvis is a basin-shaped structure that supports the spinal column and protects the abdominal organs. It contains the following: sacrum - a spade-shaped bone that…
What is pericarditis? Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart. There is a small amount of fluid between the inner and outer layers…
Periodontal Diseases
What are periodontal diseases? The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal diseases, also called gum diseases, are serious bacterial infections that destroy the gums and the surrounding tissues…
What is peripheral vascular disease (PVD)? Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow and progressive circulation disorder. It may involve disease in any of the blood vessels outside of the…
What is peritonitis? Peritonitis is an infection caused by an inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. The peritoneum, a thin, clear membrane, normally covers…
What are personality disorders? For persons without a personality disorder, personality traits are patterns of thinking, reacting, and behaving that remain relatively consistent and stable over time. Persons with a…
What is Peyronie's disease? Peyronie's disease is characterized by a plaque, or hard lump, that forms on the erection tissue of the penis. The plaque often begins as an inflammation…
Pharyngitis / Tonsillitis
What is pharyngitis and tonsillitis? Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are infections in the throat that cause inflammation. If the tonsils are primarily affected, it is called tonsillitis. If the throat is…
What is a phobia? According to the American Psychiatric Association, a phobia is an uncontrollable, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. The fear experienced by…
What are Pituitary tumors? Pituitary tumors refer to the abnormal growths that develop in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a very small gland that is located at the…
Premature Puberty
What do you mean by Premature Puberty? Puberty is when your child develops physically and emotionally into young men and men. Puberty generally begins after 7-8 years of age in…
What is pityriasis rosea? Pityriasis rosea is a mild, but common, skin condition. Characterized by scaly, pink, inflamed skin, the condition can last from four to eight weeks and usually…
Plugged Milk Ducts
Poison Ivy / Poison Oak
What is poison ivy/poison oak? There are three native American plants that collectively may be called poison ivy: poison ivy poison oak poison sumac These plants can cause an allergic…
Poliomyelitis (Polio)
What is poliomyelitis (polio)? Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by three types of poliovirus. The poliovirus is a virus most recognized for its destruction to the nervous…
What is polycystic kidney disease (PKD)? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys. PKD cysts can…
What is post-traumatic stress disorder? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that often follows a terrifying physical or emotional event - causing the person who survived the event…
Postpartum Thyroiditis
What is postpartum thyroiditis? In addition to playing an important role in the development of a growing fetus, proper thyroid hormone levels also help to minimize the chance of any…
Pregnancy A pregnancy is divided into three phases, called trimesters. Each trimester has its own significant milestones. The first trimester is the most fragile period, during which all major organs…
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? A much more severe form of the collective symptoms known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects approximately 3 percent to 8…
What is premenstrual syndrome? Most women experience some unpleasant or uncomfortable symptoms during their menstrual cycle. For some women, the symptoms are significant, but of short duration and not disabling.…
What is prickly heat? Prickly heat is a skin rash caused by trapped sweat under the skin. Sweat can become trapped when the narrow ducts through which sweat travels to…
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
What is primary hyperparathyroidism? Primary hyperparathyroidism is a metabolic disorder in which one (or more) of the parathyroid glands produces too much parathyroid hormone, which can result in the loss…
What is primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH)? Pulmonary hypertension is a lung disorder in which the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery rises far above normal levels. What are causes of…
Prostate Disease
Facts about the prostate gland: The prostate is a sex gland in men. It is about the size of a walnut, and surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra…
What is prostatitis? Prostatitis is one of several benign (non-cancerous), inflamed conditions of the prostate gland. Acute prostatitis occurs suddenly, with sharp, severe symptoms. Chronic prostatitis develops gradually, recurs often,…
Pseudocysts of the Pancreas
What are pseudocysts of the pancreas? Pseudocysts of the pancreas are abnormal collections of fluid, dead tissue, pancreatic enzymes, and blood that can lead to a painful mass in the…
What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, red, raised areas that often develop as silvery scales on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis…
What is psoriatic arthritis? Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis, a chronic skin and nail disease characterized by red, scaly rashes and thick, pitted fingernails. The…
What is a pulmonary embolism? A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel elsewhere in the body (most commonly from the leg), travels to…
Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
What is sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis is a rare disease that results from inflammation. Currently, the cause is unknown and usually develops between 20 to 50 years of age. Almost ninety percent…
What is pulmonary emphysema? Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which alveoli, or air sacs, may be: destroyed narrowed collapsed stretched over-inflated Over-inflation of the air-sacs is a result…
What is Proteinuria? Proteinuria is a condition in which there is abnormal amount of protein in urine. It is often a sign of kidney disease. Usually healthy kidneys don't allow…
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
What is Persistent Pulmonary Hypertensionof the Newborn (PPHN)? PPHN is a life-threatening condition in which the newborns suffer from serious breathing problems. This condition usually occurs in full-term babies or…
What is Pneumonia? Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation in your lung's air sacs, thereby, making it difficult for you to breathe. It may clear up itself in…
What are Piles? Piles, also known as Haemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels present in your anus and lower rectum. We all have haemorrhoids but when they become too big or…
What is Pilonidal Sinus? Pilonidal Sinus is a small cyst or abscess that develops in the cleft of your buttocks where the buttocks separate. It usually contains hair, dirt and…
Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD)
What is Polycystic Ovary Disease? PCOD is a metabolic condition that results in Irregular menstrual cycle Leading to the formation of multiple small cysts in the ovaries. In such condition,…
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
What is Pulmonary Tuberculosis? Pulmonary Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection that affects a person's lungs. It can further spread to other organs of the body also. What causes Pulmonary…
PGA syndrome (Persistent Genital Arousal)
What is PGA syndrome? Persistent Genital Arousal (PGA syndrome) refers to the condition in which there is spontaneous, persistent and uncontainable genital arousal, with or without orgasm and in the…
What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? Polycystic ovarian syndrome (also called PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome, or Stein Leventhal syndrome) is the most common hormonal and reproductive problem affecting women of…
What is polycythemia vera? Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells. The increase in blood cells…