P

Health conditions and diseases starting with P. Explore reliable details on symptoms, causes, and treatments to protect your well-being.

Post-Anesthesia Respiratory Depression

Post-anesthesia respiratory depression is a potentially life-threatening complication that occurs following the administration of anesthesia, particularly during the immediate postoperative period. It is characterized by inadequate ventilation, reduced respiratory drive, and impaired gas exchange, which may result in hypoxia, hypercapnia, or even cardiopulmonary arrest if not promptly addressed. Mechanisms and Causes of Post-Anesthesia Respiratory Depression

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychiatric condition that develops in some individuals after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events such as war, natural disasters, serious accidents, sexual assault, or other life-threatening incidents. It can profoundly impact an individual’s psychological, emotional, and physical well-being, often persisting for months or years without appropriate intervention. Causes and

Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a chronic, degenerative joint condition that develops following a traumatic injury to a joint. Unlike primary osteoarthritis, which typically arises from age-related wear and tear, PTOA results directly from physical damage, such as fractures, ligament tears, or cartilage injuries. It most commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the knee, ankle, hip, and

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most prevalent form of hepatic porphyria, a group of metabolic disorders resulting from enzyme deficiencies in the heme biosynthetic pathway. PCT is specifically caused by a deficiency in uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD), leading to the accumulation of porphyrins in the liver and skin. The condition is marked by photosensitivity, resulting

Polymyositis

Polymyositis is a chronic inflammatory myopathy that primarily targets skeletal muscles, leading to progressive muscle weakness. As an autoimmune disorder, it arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks muscle fibers, particularly those closest to the trunk such as the shoulders, hips, neck, and thighs. It belongs to a group of disorders known as idiopathic inflammatory

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a chronic inflammatory disorder predominantly affecting adults over the age of 50. Characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hips, PMR is an immune-mediated condition that typically arises suddenly and symmetrically. It is closely associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA), a form of vasculitis, with up to 20%

Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE)

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is a common photosensitivity disorder characterized by an abnormal skin reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, typically following sun exposure. It most commonly affects young adult women and individuals living in temperate climates. Unlike sunburn, PMLE is an immunologic reaction that does not require intense sun exposure to be triggered. The term

Polycythemia Vera

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare, chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) marked by the overproduction of red blood cells in the bone marrow. In many cases, white blood cells and platelets are also elevated. The excessive cell production thickens the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. PV is considered a slow-growing

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular ovulation, and the presence of multiple small cysts in the ovaries. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility and is frequently associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and androgen excess. Key Diagnostic Criteria The Rotterdam

Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting five or more joints during the first six months of disease onset in children under 16 years. This subtype of JIA resembles adult rheumatoid arthritis and is characterized by persistent joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain, potentially leading to joint damage if untreated. There are