Preterm labor is a serious condition that can have severe consequences for both the mother and the baby. It occurs when regular contractions result in the opening of the cervix before week 37 of pregnancy, but after week 20. The earlier premature birth occurs, the greater the health risks for the baby.
Priapism is a rare condition that occurs when the penis remains erect for an extended period of time, often hours beyond or without sexual stimulation. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent tissue damage and potential long-term complications. There are two main types of priapism: ischemic and nonischemic. Ischemic priapism is a more severe condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the liver and bile ducts. It is characterized by ongoing inflammation in the liver, which can lead to bile duct inflammation and damage, known as cholangitis. If left untreated, PBC can progress to permanent scarring of liver tissue, known as cirrhosis, and eventually lead to liver failure.
Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) are a group of disorders that weaken the immune system, making it easier for infections and other health problems to occur. These disorders can be present from birth or develop later in life. PIDs are often characterized by a lack of certain immune cells or a malfunction in the immune system.
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare and progressive motor neuron disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain that control movement. The condition is characterized by the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to weakness in the muscles that control the legs, arms, and tongue.
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition where the ovaries stop functioning as they should before age 40. This can lead to infertility and hormonal imbalances. POI is often referred to as premature ovarian insufficiency or premature ovarian failure, but the term "premature ovarian failure" is no longer used.
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a rare and complex neurological disorder that affects the ability to communicate. It is characterized by the gradual loss of language skills, including speaking, writing, and understanding language. PPA is a type of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which is a group of disorders that affect the brain's frontal and temporal lobes.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland in males. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, and it can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Prostatitis is a disorder of the prostate gland that is characterized by inflammation and can cause painful or difficult urination, as well as pain in the groin, pelvic area, or genitals. While bacterial infections can cause some cases of prostatitis, not all cases are caused by infection.
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a condition that is characterized by episodes of sudden uncontrollable and inappropriate laughing or crying. It is a neurological disorder that affects the way the brain controls emotion, leading to excessive and exaggerated emotional responses.
Pseudocholinesterase deficiency is a rare disorder that affects the body's ability to break down certain muscle relaxants, such as succinylcholine and mivacurium. These drugs are commonly used during general anesthesia to temporarily relax muscles during medical procedures. With pseudocholinesterase deficiency, the body's muscles stay relaxed for a longer time than expected, leading to prolonged paralysis and respiratory complications.
Pseudogout is a type of arthritis characterized by sudden, painful swelling in one or more joints. It is formally known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease or CPPD, but it is commonly referred to as pseudogout due to its similarity to gout. In both conditions, crystal deposits form within a joint, although the type of crystal differs for each condition.
Pseudomembranous colitis is a type of inflammation that affects the colon, typically caused by an overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). This condition is also known as antibiotic-associated colitis or C. difficile colitis.
Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition that occurs when the pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure) increases for no apparent reason. It is also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This condition can cause symptoms that mimic those of a brain tumor, including headaches, vision loss, and swelling of the optic nerve.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches on the skin. It is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition can cause discomfort, pain, and embarrassment, but it can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.