Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the breakdown of the amino acid phenylalanine. This disorder occurs when a person's body is unable to break down phenylalanine, which is a building block of proteins. As a result, phenylalanine builds up in the body, leading to serious health problems.
A pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that grows in an adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney and produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure, heart rate, and other bodily functions. In most cases, the tumor is benign, meaning it is not cancerous. However, if left untreated, a pheochromocytoma can cause serious and life-threatening complications.
A pilonidal cyst is a rare and unusual condition that affects the skin near the tailbone. The cyst is usually caused by hair puncturing the skin and becoming embedded, leading to inflammation and infection. The condition is more common in young adult males and tends to recur. Pilonidal cysts can be painful and may require treatment to drain or surgically remove the affected area.
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in various parts of the body. A pinched nerve can occur in many areas of the body, including the neck, back, arms, and legs.
Pineoblastoma is a rare and aggressive type of brain cancer that originates in the pineal gland. The pineal gland is located in the center of the brain and plays a crucial role in the body's natural sleep-wake cycle by producing the hormone melatonin. Pineoblastoma is a malignant tumor that can grow rapidly and invade surrounding healthy tissue.
Pinworm infection, also known as enterobiasis, is a common parasitic infection caused by the pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) parasite. The infection occurs when a person ingests pinworm eggs that are present on contaminated food, surfaces, or human contact. The most common symptom of pinworm infection is anal itching, particularly at night, as worms migrate to the host's anal area to lay their eggs.
Pituitary tumors are unusual growths that develop in the pituitary gland, an organ located behind the nose at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is responsible for regulating various bodily functions, such as growth and development, metabolism, and reproductive processes. Pituitary tumors can be benign or malignant, and they can affect hormone production and overall health.
Pityriasis rosea is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, but is most common between the ages of 10 and 35. It is characterized by a rash that often begins as an oval spot on the face, chest, abdomen or back. This is called a herald patch and may be up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) across. The rash can be itchy and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
Placenta accreta is a serious pregnancy condition that occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. This can happen when the placenta fails to detach from the uterine wall after childbirth, causing severe bleeding and potentially life-threatening complications.
Placenta previa is a condition that occurs during pregnancy when the placenta attaches to the lower part of the uterus, covering the cervix. This can cause severe bleeding in the mother before, during, or after delivery.
Placental abruption is a rare yet serious complication of pregnancy that occurs when the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus. This can happen partly or completely, and it can cause a decrease or blockage in the baby's supply of oxygen and nutrients. In severe cases, it can also cause heavy bleeding in the mother.
Plague is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is a rare disease that affects a few people each year in rural or semirural areas of western states in the United States. The germs that cause plague mostly live in small rodents and their fleas, and the most common way for humans to get plague is through a flea bite.
Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain and can be debilitating for those who suffer from it.
