Health conditions and diseases starting with P. Explore reliable details on symptoms, causes, and treatments to protect your well-being.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is an acute lower respiratory tract infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a leading bacterial pathogen responsible for significant global morbidity and mortality. This form of pneumonia primarily affects the lungs and is characterized by rapid symptom onset, alveolar inflammation, and potential systemic complications if not promptly managed. It remains a critical public health
Pneumococcal pharyngitis refers to a bacterial infection of the pharynx caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Although this pathogen is more commonly associated with pneumonia, sinusitis, and meningitis, it can also be an etiological agent in upper respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis. The condition typically manifests as a sore throat accompanied by systemic symptoms and may be
Pneumococcal meningitis is a life-threatening bacterial infection of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, this condition is a form of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and is most prevalent in infants, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised populations. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications including brain damage, hearing loss,
Pneumococcal Infection Prevention in Sickle Cell Disease: Sickle cell disease (SCD) significantly increases vulnerability to pneumococcal infections, particularly invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) such as bacteremia, sepsis, and meningitis. The spleen, essential in filtering bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, becomes functionally impaired or auto-infarcted early in life in individuals with SCD. This functional asplenia compromises immune defense,
Pneumococcal infection is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a gram-positive bacterium that can lead to a broad range of illnesses, ranging from mild respiratory conditions to life-threatening invasive diseases. This pathogen is responsible for high global morbidity and mortality, particularly among children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Types of Pneumococcal Disease Pneumococcal infections are
Pneumococcal acute otitis media (AOM) is a common and potentially severe infection of the middle ear, primarily caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is especially prevalent among infants and young children and is a leading cause of antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric practice. This condition contributes significantly to healthcare utilization worldwide and presents a considerable public health
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a serious oncologic condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cancer-related fluid in the pleural cavity. This condition typically indicates advanced malignancy and is associated with poor prognosis. It severely impacts respiratory function and quality of life, necessitating timely and strategic intervention. Pathophysiology of Malignant Pleural Effusion MPE results from
Pleural empyema, also referred to as empyema thoracis, is the accumulation of pus within the pleural cavity—the space between the lung and the chest wall—typically resulting from an infection such as pneumonia, lung abscess, or thoracic surgery. It is a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications like sepsis, lung collapse,
Platysma bands are vertical lines or cords that become prominent in the neck region with age. These visible structures are due to the contraction, separation, or hypertrophy of the platysma muscle, a superficial sheet-like muscle extending from the jawline down to the upper chest. The appearance of these bands is often associated with skin laxity,
Plasmodium vivax, a protozoan parasite, presents unique challenges in malaria prevention due to its ability to form hypnozoites—dormant liver-stage parasites capable of causing relapses. These relapses can occur weeks or months after the initial infection, complicating control efforts and increasing the burden on endemic regions. Effective prevention requires integrated strategies targeting both the mosquito vector