Condition Library
Conditions starting with P
87 health topics beginning with the letter P.
- Pacemakers and Implantable DefibrillatorsPacemakers and implantable defibrillators are devices that monitor and help control abnormal heart rhythms. Learn who needs one, and how they work.
- Paget's Disease of BonePaget's disease of bone causes your bones to grow too large and weak. It can cause pain and damage in the bones. Learn more.
- PainPain is a feeling triggered in the nervous system. You may feel it as a prick, tingle, sting, burn, or ache. Read about the causes and what can help.
- Pain RelieversThere are many pain relievers available. Read about over-the-counter vs. prescribed painkillers and how each might affect your health.
- Palliative CareIf you have a serious illness, palliative care can treat your discomfort, pain, other symptoms, and stress. It can improve your quality of life. Learn more.
- Pancreas TransplantationA pancreas transplant is surgery to place a healthy pancreas from a donor into a person with a diseased pancreas. Learn more.
- Pancreatic CancerThe pancreas is a gland behind your stomach that produces insulin. Pancreatic cancer is hard to catch early. Find out about risk factors and symptoms.
- Pancreatic DiseasesPancreatic diseases include pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis. The pancreas also plays a role in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- PancreatitisPancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Learn about pancreatitis symptoms and treatment.
- Panic DisorderGet the facts on panic disorders (a type of anxiety disorder), which can happen anytime, anywhere and without warning.
- ParalysisParalysis is a loss of muscle function in part of your body, when messages between the brain and muscles are disrupted. Learn about causes and coping.
- Parasitic DiseasesParasitic diseases are diseases transmitted by parasites, usually found in contaminated food, water or bug bites. Protect yourself with these tips.
- Parathyroid DisordersToo much or too little parathyroid hormone affects the right balance of calcium and phosphorous in your body, which can lead to parathyroid disorders.
- ParentingParenting styles differ from person to person. However, one thing you should always be aware of is your child's safety. Find more parenting tips.
- Parkinson's DiseaseParkinson's disease (PD) is a movement disorder. It causes tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. It gets worse over time. Learn what can help.
- Patient RightsPatient rights differ from state to state but one common patient right is informed consent. Read more about informed consent and how it can impact you.
- Patient SafetyPatient safety is something everyone should be aware of for the reduction of medical errors. Read about what you can start doing as a patient.
- Pelvic Floor DisordersPelvic floor disorders happen when your pelvic floor muscles get weak or injured. Common causes are pregnancy and childbirth. Learn about treatments.
- Pelvic Inflammatory DiseasePelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus, ovaries, and other female reproductive organs. It is the most common preventable cause of infertility in the U.S.
- Pelvic PainPelvic pain is pain in the area below your belly button. It can affect women and men and may be acute or chronic. Learn about the causes and treatments.
- PemphigusPemphigus and bullous pemphigoid are an autoimmune disorder, affects cells in your skin and mouth. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Penis DisordersPenis disorders can cause pain and affect a man's sexual function and fertility. Read about the types of problems, including symptoms and treatments.
- Peptic UlcerDull and burning stomach pain are common symptoms of a peptic ulcer. Read about tests that help detect stomach ulcers and get relief for your belly.
- Pericardial DisordersThe pericardium is a membrane that surrounds the heart. Pericardial disorders include pericarditis, pericardial effusion, and cardiac tamponade.
- Period PainPeriod pain affects many women, and it can be severe. Learn what causes menstrual cramps, what you can do to feel better, and when you need to see a doctor.
- Peripheral Arterial DiseasePeripheral arterial disease (PAD) happens when there is a narrowing of the blood vessels outside of your heart. Learn about symptoms and treatment.
- Peripheral Nerve DisordersPeripheral nerves are nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. Learn about neuropathy and more than 100 other types of peripheral nerve disorders.
- Peritoneal DisordersYour peritoneum lines your abdominal wall. Disorders of the peritoneum aren't common but include peritonitis, cancer and complications from dialysis.
- Personal Health RecordsYour medical office has your personal health records but it's good for you to create one for yourself too. Find out what you should include on it.
- Personality DisordersPeople with personality disorders have trouble dealing with everyday stresses and problems. There are many types of personality disorders. Read more.
- PesticidesPesticides can help get rid of pests. Pesticides can protect your health by killing germs, animals, or plants that could hurt you.
- Pet HealthKeeping your pet healthy is your responsibility as a pet owner. Know the signs of medical problems and what to look out for.
- PhenylketonuriaIn phenylketonuria (PKU), your body can't process phenylalanine, an amino acid in most foods. Read about genetics, screening, and special diets.
- PheochromocytomaPheochromocytoma is a rare tumor. Pheochromocytomas often cause the adrenal gland to make too many hormones. This can lead to high blood pressure.
- PhobiasA phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. There are many specific phobias. Treatment helps most people with phobias.
- Piercing and TattoosTattoos and piercings are popular forms of body art that can be associated with serious health risks. Read this before getting new ink or piercings.
- Pink EyePink Eye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the outer layer of the eye and inside of the eyelid. Read about the symptoms, causes, and treatment.
- PinwormsPinworms are small parasites that spread easily. The eggs can live on household surfaces for up to 2 weeks. The infection is more common in children.
- Pituitary DisordersYour pituitary gland makes hormones. With a pituitary disorder, you have too much or too little of one of these hormones. Learn about these disorders.
- Pituitary TumorsPituitary tumors are common. The most common type of pituitary tumor produces hormones and disrupts the balance of hormones in your body.
- PlaguePlague is an infection caused by bacteria found mainly in rats and in the fleas that feed on them. There are three forms of plague.
- Plastic and Cosmetic SurgeryCosmetic surgery is performed to reshape the appearance of body parts. Cosmetic surgery can create physical changes and changes in self-esteem.
- Platelet DisordersPlatelets help wounds heal and prevent bleeding by forming blood clots. Learn about problems from having too few, too many, or abnormal platelets.
- Pleural DisordersPleura is the tissue that wraps around the outside of your lungs. Pleural disorders include pleurisy, pleural effusion and pneumothorax. Learn more.
- Pneumococcal InfectionsPneumococcal infections can be mild or severe. The most common types of infections are Meningitis, Sepsis, Pneumonia, and ear and sinus infections
- Pneumocystis InfectionsPheumocystis Infections are caused by a fungus in the lungs. The most common is pneumocystis pneumonia. Read about the first signs of this infection.
- PneumoniaPneumonia is an infection in one or both of the lungs. Symptoms of pneumonia vary to mild to severe. Read about the signs of pneumonia.
- Poison Ivy, Oak, and SumacSpending time outdoors could result in contact with poison ivy, oak or sumac plants. Most people are sensitive, they can cause a blistering skin rash.
- PoisoningA poison is any substance that is harmful to your body. The effects of poisoning range from short-term illness to brain damage, coma, and death.
- Polio and Post-Polio SyndromePoliovirus is very contagious. Get the facts on polio and post-polio syndrome. Take precautions when travelling and learn about the polio vaccine.
- Polycystic Ovary SyndromePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) happens when a woman's ovaries or adrenal glands produce more male hormones than normal. Learn the symptoms of PCOS and treatments.
- Polymyalgia RheumaticaPolymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness in your neck, shoulders and hips. Read about diagnosis and treatment.
- PorphyriaPorphyrias are a group of genetic disorders caused by problems with how your body makes a substance called heme. Read more about types and symptoms.
- Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID)Anyone who had COVID-19 can have ongoing symptoms. Learn about post-COVID conditions (long COVID), including symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention.
- Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderYou can get Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD starts at different times for different people.
- Postpartum CareIt is important to take care of yourself post-pregnancy. Postpartum care includes managing physical and emotional challenges after your baby is born.
- Postpartum DepressionPostpartum (post-pregnancy) depression can begin anytime within the first year after childbirth. Learn about the symptoms of postpartum depression.
- PotassiumPotassium is an essential mineral your body needs for healthy cells, muscles, nerves, and heart function. Learn the best food sources and how much you need.
- Prader-Willi SyndromePrader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder. It causes poor muscle tone, low levels of sex hormones and a constant feeling of hunger.
- Preconception CarePreconception care is care you receive before you get pregnant. It involves taking care of problems that might affect you and your baby later.
- PrediabetesPrediabetes happens when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes.
- PregnancyTaking care of your health while you're pregnant will help give your baby a healthy start. Learn about prenatal care, nutrition, and staying fit during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy and MedicinesNot all medicines are safe to take when you are pregnant. Some medicines can harm your baby, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs and supplements.
- Pregnancy and NutritionDuring pregnancy, it's important to give yourself and your baby the nutrition needed to grow and be healthy. Learn which foods can give you the right nutrients.
- Pregnancy and OpioidsThere are risks to you and your baby if you take opioids while pregnant. Learn about these risks and the treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnancy.
- Pregnancy and Substance UseDuring pregnancy, substance use can harm your baby. Learn about why to stay away from smoking, drinking, and illegal drugs, and how to get help.
- Premature BabiesA premature birth is when a baby is born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Premature babies may have health problems and need special care.
- Premenstrual SyndromeFor some women, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may be so severe it can interfere with normal activities. Find out what you can do to lessen symptoms.
- Prenatal CareGetting the right prenatal care is important for a healthy pregnancy. Learn what exams or tests you need so you can the most out of your appointments.
- Prenatal TestingLearn how prenatal testing checks on the health of you and your baby during pregnancy. Some tests are routine, and some are for women at high risk.
- Prescription Drug MisusePrescription drug misuse happens if you take a medicine in a way that is different from what the doctor prescribed. Misusing some drugs can lead to addiction.
- Pressure SoresBedsores (decubitus ulcers) are caused by pressure to areas of skin when resting in a position for too long. Complications can be serious. Learn why.
- Preterm LaborPreterm labor is labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy. Learn what signs to look for in a preterm labor such as cramps or bleeding.
- Primary Ovarian InsufficiencyPrimary ovarian insufficiency(POI) happens when a woman's ovaries stop working before she is 40. POI is different from premature menopause. Learn about the causes, and how to treat the symptoms and co
- Progressive Supranuclear PalsyProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare brain disease. It causes problems with balance, eye movement, and walking. Learn about what can help.
- Prostate CancerProstate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among American men. The risk goes up as men age. Learn about symptoms, tests, and treatment.
- Prostate Cancer ScreeningProstate cancer screening, which may include a PSA blood test, may be able to find prostate cancer early. Talk to your doctor to see if you should be screened.
- Prostate DiseasesA man's prostate grows as he gets older, increasing the risk of problems. Learn about the different types of prostate problems, including prostatitis.
- PsoriasisPsoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. Some people also get psoriasis arthritis.
- Psoriatic ArthritisPsoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. Find out about symptoms and treatment.
- Psychotic DisordersPsychotic disorders are severe mental disorders that cause abnormal thinking and perceptions. Two main symptoms are delusions and hallucinations. Learn more.
- PubertyPuberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It causes physical changes and affects boys and girls differently.
- Pubic LicePubic lice, or crabs, are tiny parasitic insects. They usually live in the pubic area, and most often spread through sexual contact. Find out how to tell if you have them, and how to treat them.
- Pulmonary EmbolismA pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in a lung artery. The cause is usually a blood clot in the leg called deep vein thrombosis. Learn more.
- Pulmonary FibrosisPulmonary fibrosis (Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF) is a condition where the tissue deep in the lungs becomes scarred over time. Find symptoms.
- Pulmonary HypertensionPulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the arteries to your lungs. It makes your heart work harder, which can lead to heart failure.
- Pulmonary RehabilitationPulmonary Rehabilitation is a medically supervised program to help people with chronic breathing problems, like COPD or cystic fibrosis. Learn more.
Source: MedlinePlus.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine.