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Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
Topic Index
- + PN
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- PN
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Also Known As: "Periarteritis Nodosa, Polyarteritis"
A blood vessel disease that results in the swelling and damage of small and medium-sized arteries. Its cause is unknown.
More Information on PN: Vascular Disease
- + PNET
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- PNET
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"PNET" is more commonly referred to as "Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor" in the medical community.
Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor
A member of the Ewing family of tumors that is found in both the soft tissue and the bone. It is rare, but more common in children.
More Information on Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor: Pediatric Cancer
- + Pneumatic Otoscope
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- Pneumatic Otoscope
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An instrument used by medical professionals to see a patient's ear drum (otoscope) that can also produce a change in air pressure in the ear. This allows the medical professional to view the ear drum's movement in response to the change in pressure.
More Information on Pneumatic Otoscope: Ear Conditions
- + Pneumatic Otoscopy
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- Pneumatic Otoscopy
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A test that allows medical professionals to view the patient's ear drum both at rest and during movement in response to a change in pressure. It is painless and can be done in a physician's office during a normal office visit.
More Information on Pneumatic Otoscopy: Ear Conditions
- + Pneumocystis
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- Pneumocystis
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Also Known As: "Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia, Pneumocystis Pneumonia, PJP, Interstitial Plasma Cell Pneumonia, Pneumocystis Jiroveci, Pneumocystis Carinii"
A fungal infection that causes inflammation of the lung (pneumonia). Immunosuppressed individuals and premature, malnourished infants are most at risk.
More Information on Pneumocystis: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
- + Pneumocystis Carinii
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- Pneumocystis Carinii
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Also Known As: "PJP, Interstitial Plasma Cell Pneumonia, Pneumocystis, Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia, Pneumocystis Pneumonia, Pneumocystis Jiroveci"
A fungal infection that causes inflammation of the lung (pneumonia). Immunosuppressed individuals and premature, malnourished infants are most at risk.
More Information on Pneumocystis Carinii: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
- + Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
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- Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
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Also Known As: "Pneumocystis Pneumonia, PJP, Interstitial Plasma Cell Pneumonia, Pneumocystis Jiroveci, Pneumocystis Carinii, Pneumocystis"
A fungal infection that causes inflammation of the lung (pneumonia). Immunosuppressed individuals and premature, malnourished infants are most at risk.
More Information on Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
- + Pneumocystis Jiroveci
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- Pneumocystis Jiroveci
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Also Known As: "PJP, Interstitial Plasma Cell Pneumonia, Pneumocystis Carinii, Pneumocystis, Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia, Pneumocystis Pneumonia"
A fungal infection that causes inflammation of the lung (pneumonia). Immunosuppressed individuals and premature, malnourished infants are most at risk.
More Information on Pneumocystis Jiroveci: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
- + Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia
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- Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia
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Also Known As: "Pneumocystis, Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia, Pneumocystis Pneumonia, PJP, Interstitial Plasma Cell Pneumonia, Pneumocystis Jiroveci, Pneumocystis Carinii"
A fungal infection that causes inflammation of the lung (pneumonia). Immunosuppressed individuals and premature, malnourished infants are most at risk.
More Information on Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
- + Pneumocystis Pneumonia
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- Pneumocystis Pneumonia
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Also Known As: "PJP, Interstitial Plasma Cell Pneumonia, Pneumocystis Jiroveci, Pneumocystis Carinii, Pneumocystis, Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia"
A fungal infection that causes inflammation of the lung (pneumonia). Immunosuppressed individuals and premature, malnourished infants are most at risk.
More Information on Pneumocystis Pneumonia: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
- + Pneumonectomy
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- Pneumonectomy
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Also Known As: "Extrapleural Pneumonectomy"
Surgical removal of a lung, usually in the treatment of lung cancer. It may also involve the removal of part of the diaphragm, heart lining and chest lining (extrapleural pneumonectomy).
More Information on Pneumonectomy: Lung & Chest Cancer
- + Pneumonia
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- Pneumonia
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Also Known As: "Irritant Pneumonia, Fungal Pneumonia, Allergic Pneumonia, Bacterial Pneumonia, Parasitic Pneumonia, Chemical Pneumonia, Viral Pneumonia"
Inflammation of the lungs with congestion that may be caused by infection (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites) or irritants (e.g., allergens, pollutants, chemicals). Common symptoms include fever, chills, coughing and/or difficulty breathing.
More Information on Pneumonia: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
- + Pneumonic Plague
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- Pneumonic Plague
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"Pneumonic Plague" is more commonly referred to as "Plague" in the medical community.
Plague
Also Known As: "Bubonic Plague, Septicemic Plague, Black Plague, Yersinia Pestis"
A highly infectious and typically fatal epidemic disease. Or, specifically, infection with the Yersinia pestis bacteria from which millions died in the Middle Ages. Today, it is a bioterrorism threat. Types include pneumonic, bubonic or septicemic.
More Information on Plague: Bioterror Related Diseases
- + Pneumothorax
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- Pneumothorax
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Also Known As: "Collapsed Lung, Spontaneous Pneumothorax, Tension Pneumothorax"
Accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity (between the lungs and the chest cavity). Disease or injury can both cause this condition. In some cases, it may be induced to treat tuberculosis and other lung diseases.
More Information on Pneumothorax: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
- + POA
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- POA
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A document that designates an agent to act for another person (principal) in legal matters. Some states allow the agent to make healthcare decisions for the principal if the principal is unable to do so. Other states require a Healthcare Proxy.
More Information on POA: Healthcare Basics
- + Podiatrist
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- Podiatrist
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A doctor who specializes in foot problems. Podiatrists also help people keep their feet healthy by providing regular foot examinations and treatment. People with diabetes are prone to foot-related disorders.
More Information on Podiatrist: Diabetes Foot & Leg
- + POF
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- POF
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"POF" is more commonly referred to as "Premature Ovarian Failure" in the medical community.
Premature Ovarian Failure
Also Known As: "Premature Menopause, Ovarian Insufficiency"
A condition in woman under age 40 in which the ovaries stop making eggs and certain hormones. It usually but not always causes infertility.
More Information on Premature Ovarian Failure: Uterine & Ovarian Health
- + POH
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- POH
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"POH" is more commonly referred to as "Monoterpenes" in the medical community.
Monoterpenes
Also Known As: "Limonene, Perillyl Alcohol"
Phytochemicals found in citrus fruit peels and oils. They may serve as anticarcinogens (preventing or fighting cancer). These may also be sold as ingredients in dietary supplements. Types include perillyl alcohol (POH) and limonene.
More Information on Monoterpenes: Herbs & Supplements
- + Poinsettia Allergy
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- Poinsettia Allergy
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Also Known As: "Poinsettia Sensitivity"
Sensitivity to poinsettia plants may lead to an allergic reaction (e.g., hives, runny/itchy nose, difficulty breathing). People with latex allergies may also be sensitive to these plants since latex and poinsettias share some proteins.
More Information on Poinsettia Allergy: Latex Allergy
- + Poinsettia Sensitivity
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- Poinsettia Sensitivity
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Sensitivity to poinsettia plants may lead to an allergic reaction (e.g., hives, runny/itchy nose, difficulty breathing). People with latex allergies may also be sensitive to these plants since latex and poinsettias share some proteins.
More Information on Poinsettia Sensitivity: Latex Allergy
- + Poinsettias
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- Poinsettias
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Also Known As: "Flame Leaf Flower, Cuetlayochitl, Lobster Flower"
Perennial flowering shrubs that are native to Mexico. It is a traditional holiday decorative plant in the United States.
More Information on Poinsettias: Latex Allergy
- + Point of Entry Filter
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- Point of Entry Filter
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A professionally-installed water filter placed where water enters the house. It treats water throughout the household.
- + Point of Service
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- Point of Service
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Also Known As: "POS, Point of Service Provider"
A managed care plan in which people must select their primary care physician (PCP), but (unlike HMOs) people do not need a referral from the PCP to go out of network for tests or treatment. Cost of those out-of-network services will be higher.
More Information on Point of Service: Healthcare Basics
- + Point of Service Plan
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- Point of Service Plan
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Also Known As: "POS, Point of Service Provider, Point of Service"
A managed care plan in which people must select their primary care physician (PCP), but (unlike HMOs) people do not need a referral from the PCP to go out of network for tests or treatment. Cost of those out-of-network services will be higher.
More Information on Point of Service Plan: Healthcare Basics
- + Point of Service Provider
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- Point of Service Provider
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Also Known As: "Point of Service, POS"
A managed care plan in which people must select their primary care physician (PCP), but (unlike HMOs) people do not need a referral from the PCP to go out of network for tests or treatment. Cost of those out-of-network services will be higher.
More Information on Point of Service Provider: Healthcare Basics
- + Point of Use Filter
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- Point of Use Filter
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A type of water filter that treats water at a single source where it is installed (e.g., tap, counter top, faucet, under-the-sink, pitcher). It removes particles of different sizes, depending on the type. Professional installation is not required.
- + Point System
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- Point System
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A meal planning system that uses points to rate the caloric content of foods.
More Information on Point System: Diabetes Diet & Fitness
- + Poison Control Centers
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- Poison Control Centers
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Also Known As: "U S Poison Control Centers"
Centers that specialize in the care and treatment of patients who may have ingested or otherwise taken in a poisonous substance. They can also be beneficial for animal bites or stings.
More Information on Poison Control Centers: First Aid & Safety
- + Poison Ivy
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- Poison Ivy
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Also Known As: "Poison Ivy Rash, Poison Oak, Poison Oak Rash, Poison Sumac, Poison Sumac Rash"
Plants containing an oil (urushiol) that, when touched, causes itchy bumps to form on the skin of some people. Also used to describe the rash that results. Poison ivy, oak and sumac all have leaves that cluster in threes and may form vines or shrubs.
More Information on Poison Ivy: Outdoor Allergies
- + Poison Ivy Dermatitis
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- Poison Ivy Dermatitis
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"Poison Ivy Dermatitis" is more commonly referred to as "Plant Dermatitis" in the medical community.
Plant Dermatitis
Also Known As: "Poison Plant Dermatitis, Poison Oak Dermatitis, Poison Sumac Dermatitis"
An itchy, bumpy rash that results from contact with plants containing a certain oil (urushiol). Poison ivy, oak and sumac all contain urushiol and have leaves that cluster in threes. They may form vines or shrubs.
More Information on Plant Dermatitis: Dermatitis, Eczema & Hives
- + Poison Ivy Rash
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- Poison Ivy Rash
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Also Known As: "Poison Oak, Poison Oak Rash, Poison Sumac, Poison Sumac Rash, Poison Ivy"
Plants containing an oil (urushiol) that, when touched, causes itchy bumps to form on the skin of some people. Also used to describe the rash that results. Poison ivy, oak and sumac all have leaves that cluster in threes and may form vines or shrubs.
More Information on Poison Ivy Rash: Outdoor Allergies
- + Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac
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- Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac
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Also Known As: "Poison Ivy, Poison Ivy Rash, Poison Oak, Poison Oak Rash, Poison Sumac, Poison Sumac Rash"
Plants containing an oil (urushiol) that, when touched, causes itchy bumps to form on the skin of some people. Also used to describe the rash that results. Poison ivy, oak and sumac all have leaves that cluster in threes and may form vines or shrubs.
More Information on Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac: Outdoor Allergies
- + Poison Oak
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- Poison Oak
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Also Known As: "Poison Oak Rash, Poison Sumac, Poison Sumac Rash, Poison Ivy, Poison Ivy Rash"
Plants containing an oil (urushiol) that, when touched, causes itchy bumps to form on the skin of some people. Also used to describe the rash that results. Poison ivy, oak and sumac all have leaves that cluster in threes and may form vines or shrubs.
More Information on Poison Oak: Outdoor Allergies
- + Poison Oak Dermatitis
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- Poison Oak Dermatitis
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"Poison Oak Dermatitis" is more commonly referred to as "Plant Dermatitis" in the medical community.
Plant Dermatitis
Also Known As: "Poison Sumac Dermatitis, Poison Ivy Dermatitis, Poison Plant Dermatitis"
An itchy, bumpy rash that results from contact with plants containing a certain oil (urushiol). Poison ivy, oak and sumac all contain urushiol and have leaves that cluster in threes. They may form vines or shrubs.
More Information on Plant Dermatitis: Dermatitis, Eczema & Hives
- + Poison Oak Rash
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- Poison Oak Rash
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Also Known As: "Poison Sumac, Poison Sumac Rash, Poison Ivy, Poison Ivy Rash, Poison Oak"
Plants containing an oil (urushiol) that, when touched, causes itchy bumps to form on the skin of some people. Also used to describe the rash that results. Poison ivy, oak and sumac all have leaves that cluster in threes and may form vines or shrubs.
More Information on Poison Oak Rash: Outdoor Allergies
- + Poison Plant Dermatitis
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- Poison Plant Dermatitis
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"Poison Plant Dermatitis" is more commonly referred to as "Plant Dermatitis" in the medical community.
Plant Dermatitis
Also Known As: "Poison Oak Dermatitis, Poison Sumac Dermatitis, Poison Ivy Dermatitis"
An itchy, bumpy rash that results from contact with plants containing a certain oil (urushiol). Poison ivy, oak and sumac all contain urushiol and have leaves that cluster in threes. They may form vines or shrubs.
More Information on Plant Dermatitis: Dermatitis, Eczema & Hives
- + Poison Prevention in Children
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- Poison Prevention in Children
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Steps taken to prevent a child from ingesting or otherwise taking in a toxic substance. Generally, this involves storing hazardous substances in childproof containers or locking them away.
More Information on Poison Prevention in Children: Pediatric First Aid & Safety
- + Poison Sumac
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- Poison Sumac
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Also Known As: "Poison Sumac Rash, Poison Ivy, Poison Ivy Rash, Poison Oak, Poison Oak Rash"
Plants containing an oil (urushiol) that, when touched, causes itchy bumps to form on the skin of some people. Also used to describe the rash that results. Poison ivy, oak and sumac all have leaves that cluster in threes and may form vines or shrubs.
More Information on Poison Sumac: Outdoor Allergies
- + Poison Sumac Dermatitis
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- Poison Sumac Dermatitis
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"Poison Sumac Dermatitis" is more commonly referred to as "Plant Dermatitis" in the medical community.
Plant Dermatitis
Also Known As: "Poison Ivy Dermatitis, Poison Plant Dermatitis, Poison Oak Dermatitis"
An itchy, bumpy rash that results from contact with plants containing a certain oil (urushiol). Poison ivy, oak and sumac all contain urushiol and have leaves that cluster in threes. They may form vines or shrubs.
More Information on Plant Dermatitis: Dermatitis, Eczema & Hives
- + Poison Sumac Rash
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- Poison Sumac Rash
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Also Known As: "Poison Ivy, Poison Ivy Rash, Poison Oak, Poison Oak Rash, Poison Sumac"
Plants containing an oil (urushiol) that, when touched, causes itchy bumps to form on the skin of some people. Also used to describe the rash that results. Poison ivy, oak and sumac all have leaves that cluster in threes and may form vines or shrubs.
More Information on Poison Sumac Rash: Outdoor Allergies
- + Poisonous Mushrooms
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- Poisonous Mushrooms
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Mushrooms that contain toxins. They may cause stomach upset, dizziness, hallucinations and other neurological symptoms.
More Information on Poisonous Mushrooms: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
- + Polifeprosan 20 Carmustine Implant
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- Polifeprosan 20 Carmustine Implant
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"Polifeprosan 20 Carmustine Implant" is more commonly referred to as "Carmustine Wafer" in the medical community.
Carmustine Wafer
Also Known As: "BCNU Wafer"
A small wafer containing a cancer therapy medication that is implanted into a brain tumor site after the tumor has been surgically removed. Several wafers may be implanted around a single site to reduce the risk of recurrence.
More Information on Carmustine Wafer: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
- + Polio
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- Polio
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Also Known As: "Asymptomatic Polio, Paralytic Polio, Poliomyelitis, Abortive Polio, Infantile Paralysis, Symptomatic Polio, Nonparalytic Polio, Spinal Polio"
A contagious viral infection that affects the nervous system and may cause paralysis. It is most common in children under the age of 3. Use of vaccines to prevent polio has virtually eliminated the disease in the Western Hemisphere.
More Information on Polio: Infectious Disease Basics
- + Poliomyelitis
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- Poliomyelitis
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Also Known As: "Asymptomatic Polio, Paralytic Polio, Abortive Polio, Infantile Paralysis, Symptomatic Polio, Nonparalytic Polio, Spinal Polio"
A contagious viral infection that affects the nervous system and may cause paralysis. It is most common in children under the age of 3. Use of vaccines to prevent polio has virtually eliminated the disease in the Western Hemisphere.
More Information on Poliomyelitis: Infectious Disease Basics
- + Pollen
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- Pollen
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Small grains that are the fertilizing elements of flowering plants. Most is powdery and can easily become airborne, triggering allergies. Some cannot become airborne. Therefore, the pollen of some plants is more likely to cause allergies than others.
More Information on Pollen: Outdoor Allergies
- + Pollen & Mold Report
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- Pollen & Mold Report
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A report of the amount of airborne allergens in grains per cubic meter of air. It includes four separate counts, one each for tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen and mold spores. Levels are also expressed as absent, low, medium or high.
More Information on Pollen & Mold Report: Allergy Basics
- + Pollen Count
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- Pollen Count
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A measure of the amount of airborne pollen in grains per cubic meter of air. It is actually three separate counts, one each for tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen. Levels are also expressed as absent, low, medium or high.
More Information on Pollen Count: Outdoor Allergies
- + Pollutants
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- Pollutants
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Gaseous, chemical or organic waste that contaminates air, soil or water.
- + Pollution
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- Pollution
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The contamination of a natural environment with substances that may be harmful to organisms living in that environment. Pollution of air, soil and/or water has been linked with increased risk of allergies, asthma and other conditions.
More Information on Pollution: Breathing & Lung
- + Polyarteritis
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- Polyarteritis
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Also Known As: "PN, Periarteritis Nodosa"
A blood vessel disease that results in the swelling and damage of small and medium-sized arteries. Its cause is unknown.
More Information on Polyarteritis: Vascular Disease
- + Polyarteritis Nodosa
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- Polyarteritis Nodosa
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Also Known As: "Polyarteritis, PN, Periarteritis Nodosa"
A blood vessel disease that results in the swelling and damage of small and medium-sized arteries. Its cause is unknown.
More Information on Polyarteritis Nodosa: Vascular Disease
- + Polyarthritis
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- Polyarthritis
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Arthritis (joint inflammation) that occurs in more than one joint.
More Information on Polyarthritis: Arthritis
- + Polyarticular JRA
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- Polyarticular JRA
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Also Known As: "Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis"
A form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that affects five or more joints (as opposed to pauciarticular, which affects 4 or fewer). It usually involves the smaller joints (e.g., fingers, hands) and usually on both sides of the body (symmetrical).
More Information on Polyarticular JRA: Arthritis
- + Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
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- Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
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A form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that affects five or more joints (as opposed to pauciarticular, which affects 4 or fewer). It usually involves the smaller joints (e.g., fingers, hands) and usually on both sides of the body (symmetrical).
More Information on Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: Arthritis
- + Polycystic Ovarian Disease
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- Polycystic Ovarian Disease
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Also Known As: "Polyfollicular Ovaries, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Stein Leventhal Syndrome, Hyperandrogenic Anovulation Syndrome, PCOS, Polyfollicular Ovarian Disease"
An endocrine and hormonal disorder that is the most common cause of female infertility. It involves the overproduction of androgens (male hormones) that cause problems with ovulation as well as obesity, abnormal hair growth and other problems.
More Information on Polycystic Ovarian Disease: Uterine & Ovarian Health
- + Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
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- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
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Also Known As: "Polyfollicular Ovarian Disease, Polycystic Ovarian Disease, Polyfollicular Ovaries, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Stein Leventhal Syndrome, Hyperandrogenic Anovulation Syndrome, PCOS"
An endocrine and hormonal disorder that is the most common cause of female infertility. It involves the overproduction of androgens (male hormones) that cause problems with ovulation as well as obesity, abnormal hair growth and other problems.
More Information on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Uterine & Ovarian Health
- + Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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Also Known As: "Stein Leventhal Syndrome, Hyperandrogenic Anovulation Syndrome, PCOS, Polyfollicular Ovarian Disease, Polycystic Ovarian Disease, Polyfollicular Ovaries"
An endocrine and hormonal disorder that is the most common cause of female infertility. It involves the overproduction of androgens (male hormones) that cause problems with ovulation as well as obesity, abnormal hair growth and other problems.
More Information on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Uterine & Ovarian Health
- + Polycythemia Vera
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- Polycythemia Vera
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A disorder in which the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It can lead to problems with blood clotting, spleen enlargement and bone marrow fibrosis. It may become acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
More Information on Polycythemia Vera: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
- + Polydactyly Chondrodystrophy Syndrome
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- Polydactyly Chondrodystrophy Syndrome
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"Polydactyly Chondrodystrophy Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Chondroectodermal Dysplasia" in the medical community.
Chondroectodermal Dysplasia
Also Known As: "Six Fingered Dwarfism, EvC Syndrome, Mesoectodermal Dysplasia, CED, Chondrodysplasia Ectodermica, Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome, Dwarfism Polydactyly Dysplastic Nails Syndrome"
A type of multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome that is marked by short limbs, extra fingers, and other bone abnormalities. About half of patients also have one or more congenital heart defects.
More Information on Chondroectodermal Dysplasia: Birth & Genetic Disorders
- + Polydipsia
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- Polydipsia
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Also Known As: "Excessive Thirst, Extreme Thirst"
Excessive thirst, a common sign of diabetes.
More Information on Polydipsia: Diabetes Signs & Symptoms
- + Polyfollicular Ovarian Disease
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- Polyfollicular Ovarian Disease
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Also Known As: "Polycystic Ovarian Disease, Polyfollicular Ovaries, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Stein Leventhal Syndrome, Hyperandrogenic Anovulation Syndrome, PCOS"
An endocrine and hormonal disorder that is the most common cause of female infertility. It involves the overproduction of androgens (male hormones) that cause problems with ovulation as well as obesity, abnormal hair growth and other problems.
More Information on Polyfollicular Ovarian Disease: Uterine & Ovarian Health
- + Polyfollicular Ovaries
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- Polyfollicular Ovaries
-
Also Known As: "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Stein Leventhal Syndrome, Hyperandrogenic Anovulation Syndrome, PCOS, Polyfollicular Ovarian Disease, Polycystic Ovarian Disease"
An endocrine and hormonal disorder that is the most common cause of female infertility. It involves the overproduction of androgens (male hormones) that cause problems with ovulation as well as obesity, abnormal hair growth and other problems.
More Information on Polyfollicular Ovaries: Uterine & Ovarian Health
- + Polymenorrhea
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- Polymenorrhea
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Menstrual bleeding that occurs too frequently, usually less than every 21 days. While more frequent than normal, this type of abnormal uterine bleeding does occur on a regular schedule.
More Information on Polymenorrhea: Menstruation
- + Polymorphic Light Eruption
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- Polymorphic Light Eruption
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Also Known As: "PMLE"
Small red blisters and/or pimples that appear on the skin within one to four days of sunlight exposure. It is an allergic reaction to ultraviolet (UV light) that occurs in some photosensitive people. It may spread to unexposed skin areas.
More Information on Polymorphic Light Eruption: Skin & Hair Basics
- + Polymorphous Light Eruption
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- Polymorphous Light Eruption
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Also Known As: "PMLE, Polymorphic Light Eruption"
Small red blisters and/or pimples that appear on the skin within one to four days of sunlight exposure. It is an allergic reaction to ultraviolet (UV light) that occurs in some photosensitive people. It may spread to unexposed skin areas.
More Information on Polymorphous Light Eruption: Skin & Hair Basics
- + Polymyalgia Rheumatica
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- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
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Also Known As: "Arthritic Rheumatoid Disease, PMR, Anarthritic Syndrome"
A rheumatic disease that involves tendons, muscles, ligaments and tissues around the joints, often in people over 50. Pain, aching and morning stiffness in the neck, shoulders, lower back and hips characterize the disease.
More Information on Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Fibromyalgia & Pain Disorders
- + Polymyositis
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- Polymyositis
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A type of inflammatory myopathy that causes muscle weakness and generally begins in second decade of life. It most commonly affects muscles closest to the trunk.
More Information on Polymyositis: Myopathy
- + Polyneuropathy
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- Polyneuropathy
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Also Known As: "Diabetic Polyneuropathy"
A form of neuropathy affecting multiple nerves. Common in peripheral neuropathy.
More Information on Polyneuropathy: Neuropathy
- + Polynucleotides
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- Polynucleotides
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"Polynucleotides" is more commonly referred to as "RNA" in the medical community.
RNA
Also Known As: "Heterogeneous Nuclear RNA, mRNA, Ribonucleic Acid, hRNA, Transfer RNA, Messenger RNA, tRNA"
A substance similar to DNA that is found in every cell of the body. Its functions include protein synthesis and relaying genetic information. There are four main types: heterogeneous (hRNA), messenger (mRNA), transfer (tRNA) and ribosomal (rRNA).
- + Polyols
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- Polyols
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Sugar-free sweeteners that are carbohydrates, but not sugars. Unlike high-potency sweeteners such as aspartame, they are used in the same quantity as sucrose.
More Information on Polyols: Carbs & Sugars
- + Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia
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- Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia
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"Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia" is more commonly referred to as "McCune Albright Syndrome" in the medical community.
McCune Albright Syndrome
A genetic disease that affects the bones and skin pigmentation and also causes hormonal problems and premature sexual development.
More Information on McCune Albright Syndrome: Skin Discoloration
- + Polyp
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- Polyp
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Also Known As: "Polypus"
A bulging growth that develops in the lining of mucous membranes that line body cavities, such as the nose, intestines, rectum and uterus. It can be either benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous).
More Information on Polyp: Gastrointestinal System Cancer
- + Polypectomy
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- Polypectomy
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Also Known As: "Colonoscopic Polypectomy"
Surgical removal of a polyp, a bulging growth that develops in the lining of mucus membranes that line body cavities.
More Information on Polypectomy: Gastrointestinal System Cancer
- + Polypeptide
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- Polypeptide
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A molecule made up of a string of more than 10 amino acids joined by peptide bonds in a defined order.
- + Polyphagia
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- Polyphagia
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Also Known As: "Disorder of Hyperalimentation, Hyperphagia, Excessive Hunger, Increased Appetite"
Medical term for excessive eating or hunger, a common sign of diabetes. People with diabetes who are polyphagic often tend to lose weight.
More Information on Polyphagia: Diabetes Signs & Symptoms
- + Polyphenols
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- Polyphenols
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"Polyphenols" is more commonly referred to as "Phenols" in the medical community.
Phenols
Also Known As: "Phenolic Compounds"
A category of phytonutrients that includes flavonoids (which can be found in many plant-based foods). They may act as antioxidants, and are associated with a lowered risk of cancer and heart disease.
More Information on Phenols: Herbs & Supplements
- + Polyposis
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- Polyposis
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The development of many polyps.
More Information on Polyposis: Digestive Health Basics
- + Polypus
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- Polypus
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A bulging growth that develops in the lining of mucous membranes that line body cavities, such as the nose, intestines, rectum and uterus. It can be either benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous).
More Information on Polypus: Gastrointestinal System Cancer
- + Polysaccharides
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- Polysaccharides
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Long carbohydrate chains made up of more than 10 sugar molecules. They can be straight or branched. Examples include cellulose, starch and dextrin.
More Information on Polysaccharides: Carbs & Sugars
- + Polyserositis
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- Polyserositis
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"Polyserositis" is more commonly referred to as "Pericarditis" in the medical community.
Pericarditis
Also Known As: "Adhesive Pericarditis, Acute Pericarditis, Bacterial Pericarditis, Chronic Pericarditis, Constrictive Pericarditis, Postmyocardial Pericarditis"
An inflammation of the pericardium - a thin, fluid-filled sac surrounding the heart. It is frequently associated with chest pain that worsens with deep breaths.
More Information on Pericarditis: Heart Injuries & Infections
- + Polysubstance Related Disorders
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- Polysubstance Related Disorders
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A disorder related to the use of multiple substances, such as drugs. Often, this is a dependence on multiple drugs. The disorder is not in any of the individual drugs alone, but rather that they be used together.
More Information on Polysubstance Related Disorders: Alcohol & Substance Abuse
- + Polyunsaturated Fat
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- Polyunsaturated Fat
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Like monounsaturated fat, this is a type of unsaturated fat found in many plant and nut oils. Unsaturated fat does not increase levels of cholesterol or triglycerides, and may even help to reduce those levels.
More Information on Polyunsaturated Fat: Fats & Oils
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