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Browse our complete A-Z directory of healthcare terms and entities.
Showing 179 entries starting with "P" of type "Conditions"
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (radioactive substance) to look at organs in the body. During a PET scan, the tracer is typically injected into a vein (usually in the arm), but sometimes it may be inhaled. The tracer usually is a special form...
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (radioactive substance) to look at organs in the body. During the test, the tracer liquid is put into a vein in your arm. The tracer moves through your body, where much of it collects in the specific organ...
Guides through decision to use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medicine for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Lists home remedies to try for PMS before SSRI. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for farsightedness use a laser to reshape the cornea so that light is refocused on the retina . The laser reshapes the cornea accurately without damaging nearby tissues. No surgical cut is needed. Either procedure may be used to correct...
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis), and epi-LASIK (epithelial laser in-situ keratomileusis) use a laser to reshape the cornea . By reshaping the cornea, these surgeries allow light to focus on the retina and thereby correct a person's vision. With PRK, the top layer on the surface...
Covers panic attack, an intense fear that comes on suddenly. Looks at physical symptoms such as chest pain, pounding heartbeat, and sweating. Includes getting treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy or medicine.
Covers how you and your family can be better prepared for changes PTSD can bring to your life. Looks at family support and talking with your kids. Discusses triggers that suddenly remind you of your traumatic event. Includes coping with holidays.
Learn how to plan ahead for coping with stress and symptoms at home.
A pacifier is a plastic or rubber device for a baby to chew or suck on. Babies often need to suck for satisfaction rather than for food. Most babies don't need as much sucking time by about 6 months of age. It's pretty easy to take the pacifier away from your baby at that age,...
Paget's disease is a problem of abnormal bone growth. The bone tissue breaks down too fast, so the body speeds up the rebuilding process. But the new bone is often weak and brittle. Most people don't have symptoms, but some have bone pain and deformed or broken bones. Paget's disease may be treated with medicines.
A pain diary may help you and your doctor find out what makes your pain better or worse. Use the diary below to keep track of when you have pain, how bad it is, and what you are doing to treat it. This figure has been reproduced with permission of the International Association for the...
What is pain? Pain is your body's way of warning you that something is wrong. If you step on a sharp object or put your hand on a hot stove, the pain lets you know right away that you are hurt and need to protect yourself. You may have pain from an injury, after surgery,...
Nondrug methods of relieving pain may be helpful for people who have fibromyalgia. These can include: Applying heating pads or taking warm baths or showers. Gentle massage of painful muscles. Regular exercise to help strengthen muscles, which will make them less likely to be injured. Nonprescription pain relievers are...
Burning pain with urination is the most common symptom of a urinary tract problem. As bacteria or viruses grow in the bladder, the bladder wall becomes inflamed, causing pain when the bladder fills and empties. Burning pain (dysuria) can also occur if the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the...
Palliative care is a kind of medical care for people who have serious and chronic illnesses. Palliative care provides an extra layer of support that can improve quality of life for the person who is sick and for his or her family. Many people combine palliative care with other types of treatment. Palliative care can...
During a pancreas transplant, the recipient's diseased pancreas is left in place. The donated pancreas is placed in the front part of the abdomen and connected to the lower abdominal blood vessels. The donated duodenum is attached to either the recipient's intestine or bladder so that pancreatic secretions can drain.
This summary provides information about the treatment of exocrine pancreatic cancer. Other PDQ summaries containing information related to cancer in the pancreas include the following: Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors) Treatment. Unusual Cancers of Childhood Treatment (pancreatic cancer during...
A panic attack is a sudden feeling of extreme anxiety. Symptoms include feelings of dying or losing control of oneself, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), and a racing heart. A person having a panic attack may feel dizzy, sweaty, or shaky. Other symptoms include trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness, and an...
Panic disorder is a pattern of repeated, unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden, strong feelings of fear or anxiety along with symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or a pounding heart. A panic attack is scary, but it isn't life-threatening. Counseling and medicines can reduce or get rid of panic...
Paralysis is a loss of nerve function or muscle power resulting in an inability to move. When nerve cells in the brain or other parts of the body are damaged by injury or disease, the body parts controlled by those nerve or brain cells do not function. The damage may cause mild or severe loss...
Incidence and Mortality The majority of tumors of the paranasal sinuses present with advanced disease, and cure rates are generally poor (≤50%). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent type of malignant tumor in the nose and paranasal sinuses (70%–80%). Papillomas are distinct entities that may undergo...
Get motivated to quit by thinking about the example you are setting for your child.
Most people with Parkinson's disease can eat the same healthy, balanced diet recommended for anyone. This includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, legumes, poultry, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Early in the disease, it might be helpful to take pills with food to help with nausea, which...
Parkinson's disease can affect the muscles of the lips, tongue, throat, voice box (larynx), and lungs, all of which are involved in producing speech. Stiff, slow muscles in these areas may lead to: Low voice volume or soft speech. Imprecise speech sounds. Speaking too fast or too slow. Monotonous voice. Hoarseness. A...
When you have Parkinson's disease, you may find that making simple changes to your home and in your daily activities can help you stay independent for a longer time. Make daily activities simpler Simplifying your daily activities may help you to save your energy for activities that really demand it. It also may help to...
Most people know that Parkinson's disease is a condition that affects how you move. But the breakdown of nerve cells in Parkinson's disease can cause other symptoms. These other symptoms, also called "non-motor" symptoms, include: Constipation. This is a common problem, mostly related to the breakdown of the nerve cells...
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is a blood test that measures the time it takes your blood to clot. A PTT test can be used to check for bleeding problems. Blood clotting factors are needed for blood to clot (coagulation). The partial thromboplastin time is an important test because the time it takes your blood to...
The crown is the part of the tooth that you can see above the gum. The neck is the part of the tooth that is between the root and the crown. The root is the part of the tooth that is below the gum. The top layer of the crown is enamel. Below the enamel...
Patellar tracking disorder is an imbalance in the knee area that causes the kneecap (patella) to shift or tilt out of place as the leg bends or straightens. Symptoms include a dull ache under or around the kneecap, or a popping, grinding, slipping, or catching sensation in the kneecap as the knee bends or extends....
The foramen ovale is an opening in the part of the heart that separates the upper right and left chambers (atria). In a fetus, this opening has a flap of tissue that acts like a one-way door—it allows blood to flow to the left side of the heart without going to the lungs, and it...
A pathogen is a living organism that causes disease. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
A patient advocate helps people with health problems deal with the health care system. This includes working with doctors, nurses, insurance companies, employers, case managers, lawyers, and others. A patient advocate helps solve problems with health care, medical bills, and job discrimination related to a medical...
Sometimes Patty doesn't know whether to laugh or cry when one of her three kids runs at her for a flying hug. She loves the affection, but picking up her kids all the time is one reason the 33-year-old third-grade teacher has back pain. She tries to smile and gently remind her kids to hug...
Medical tests can be scary for adults and for children. You can help your child feel safe and calm during medical tests if you understand why your child is having the test and remain calm yourself. Talk to your doctor without your child present about any concerns you have about the need for the test,...
Learn how to do exercises that can help prevent urine leakage.
Guides through decision to have surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. Explains symptoms and discusses several types of surgeries used for different symptoms. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.
This exercise strengthens your lower back and pelvis. It is for use during the first 4 months of pregnancy. After this point, lying on your back is not recommended, because it can cause blood circulation problems for you and your fetus. Lie on your back. Keep your knees relaxed. Tighten your belly and buttocks muscles...
A hip fracture is a break in the upper thighbone (femur) that forms the hip joint. A pelvic fracture can happen anywhere in the pelvic bone. Fractures of the hips and pelvis are not often seen in children unless a severe injury (such as a car crash) has occurred.
Penile implants to treat erection problems (erectile dysfunction) are either semirigid (noninflatable) or inflatable cylinders that replace the spongy tissue (corpora cavernosum) inside the penis that fills with blood during an erection. The implants come in a variety of diameters and lengths. Noninflatable (or...
If you have a normal heart, you have a low risk for endocarditis. But if you have a problem with your heart that affects normal blood flow through the heart , it is more likely that bacteria or fungi will attach to heart tissue. This puts you at a higher risk for endocarditis. If you...
Peptic ulcers are sores shaped like craters, and they develop when the digestive juices produced by the stomach erode or eat away the lining of the digestive tract. Peptic ulcers may form in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or just below the stomach, at the start of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). The...
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or upper small intestine. Ulcers form when the protective layer in the lining has broken down, often because of a bacterial infection or frequent use of aspirin or similar medicine. Peptic ulcers can cause pain in the belly, above the belly button. Ulcers...
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy or nephrolithotripsy uses a small incision in the person's back to remove kidney stones. The surgeon puts a hollow tube into the kidney and a probe through the tube. In nephrolithotomy, the surgeon removes the stone through the tube. In nephrolithotripsy, he or she breaks the stone up and...
In a normal heart, a thin layer called the pericardium surrounds and protects the heart. There is a small amount of fluid between the pericardium and the heart. This fluid helps cushion the heart. But sometimes too much fluid builds up in this space around the heart. This is called pericardial effusion. This extra fluid...
The perineum is the muscle and tissue near the anus. In a woman, the perineum is between the anus and the vulva, while in a man, it is between the anus and the scrotum.
Periodic limb movement disorder is repeated muscle twitching of the feet, arms, or legs during sleep. Sometimes the mouth and muscles in the belly also move. The movements of periodic limb movement disorder last for up to 10 seconds and may repeat after 5 to 90 seconds. A person who has periodic limb movement disorder...
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. Early gum disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. This leaves deep pockets where plaque and bacteria can build up. Periodontitis can progress until the bones that support the teeth are damaged. Teeth may get loose and fall out or need to be removed.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the legs is hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) that supply oxygen-rich blood to the legs. It results in reduced blood flow to the lower body, which "starves" the muscles and other tissues.
Discusses peritoneal dialysis. Covers having a catheter and using dialysate solution. Discusses hemodialysis. Looks at what to expect after treatment, how well it works, and risks.
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that sends out small electrical impulses to make the heart beat in a regular rhythm and at a normal speed. A pacemaker consists of a pulse generator and battery that create the electrical impulses. Most pacemakers have wires (leads) that transmit electricity to the heart. A...
A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder that causes a person to think, feel, and act differently than what is considered normal. These abnormal attitudes and behaviors are not likely to change and can cause the person problems in all areas of life, such as trouble getting along with others at work or...
Petechiae (say "pet-TEA-key-eye") are tiny, flat red or purple spots in the skin or the lining of the mouth caused by abnormal bleeding from small blood vessels that have broken close to the skin or the surface of a mucous membrane. Petechiae may spread over a large area of the body within a few hours....
Dr. Peter Anderson reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Anderson is a Professor of Urology and past Director of the Residency Training Program at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is on the medical staff at the IWK...
Dr. Peter J. Kahrilas reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Kahrilas is a specialist in esophageal disease. He is involved in research on the mechanics of swallowing, the motor activity of the upper esophagus, and the...
Dr. Peter Monti reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Monti is a Professor of Medical Sciences and Director of the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. A recognized leader in...
Dr. Peter Shalit reviews medical content for Healthwise, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. Dr. Shalit is an internist who specializes in HIV care. Since 1990, he has been in private practice in Seattle, Washington, caring for several hundred patients infected with HIV...
What is Peyronie's disease? Peyronie's disease is an abnormal curvature of the penis caused by scar tissue in the erectile tissue. Because the scar tissue prevents straightening of the penis, the curvature is most obvious during an erection. The curvature may be so severe that it prevents penetration during intercourse...
What is phenylketonuria (PKU)? Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic disorder in which the body cannot break down an amino acid called phenylalanine (say "fehn-uhl-AL-uh-neen"), which is a part of protein. This substance is found in breast milk, many types of baby formula, and most foods, especially those with a lot...
Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are rare tumors that come from the same type of tissue. Paragangliomas form in nerve tissue in the adrenal glands and near certain blood vessels and nerves. Paragangliomas that form in the adrenal glands are called pheochromocytomas. Paragangliomas that form outside the adrenal glands...
Phimosis is a tightening of the foreskin that normally folds over the penis. This tightening makes it difficult to pull the foreskin over the tip of the penis. Some males are born with foreskin tightness. This type of phimosis usually gets better on its own during the first few years of life. Another type of...
Phlebotomy is a procedure that removes blood from the body. Regular phlebotomy treats people who have too much iron in their blood, such as with hemochromatosis, or who are producing too many red blood cells, such as with polycythemia. Removing blood regularly decreases iron levels in the body by reducing the number of...
What is a phobia? Having a phobia means you are extremely afraid of a specific object, situation, or activity. Having a phobia about something is very different from everyday worry or stress. For example, most people feel worry and stress at some time, such as when speaking in front of a large group of people....
Phosphorus is a mineral the body needs to function and for the cells to work well. Phosphorous is found in all parts of the body and is stored with calcium in the bones. Some of the phosphorus in the body exists as a charged particle (ion) called phosphate. People who do not have enough phosphorus...
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). It is not used to treat dry AMD. Photodynamic therapy may be recommended if you can't have injections of medicines to treat your AMD or if these injections don't work. 1 In photodynamic therapy, a light-sensitive medicine...
For phototherapy at the hospital, a light box and/or fiber-optic blanket directs special light onto the jaundiced baby. The baby lies in a bassinet or an enclosed crib (incubator) while light is absorbed into the skin. The light changes bilirubin into a form that the baby can more easily get rid of in his or...
Phototherapy is the use of ultraviolet (UV) light to slow the rapid growth of new skin cells. This is helpful in treating psoriasis, which causes skin cells to grow too rapidly. There are two types of ultraviolet (UV) light therapy: Ultraviolet B (UVB) Exposure times start at 30 to 60 seconds when therapy begins. You...
Violence can happen to anyone—males or females, children, teens, adults, older adults, or people with disabilities. You are not to blame. No matter what happened, violence is not okay. Violent people usually have many problems that they find hard to deal with, which can cause them to act out with violence. Physical...
Physical activity is one of the best things you can do to help prevent a heart attack and stroke. Being active is one part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy foods, not smoking, and staying at a healthy weight are other ways you can be heart-healthy and help prevent a heart attack or a stroke....
Physical activity increases the amount of energy (calories) you burn. Most weight-loss programs incorporate an exercise program—such as jogging or biking. And you can also use more energy by changing some of your routine activities, such as washing your car yourself instead of going to a car wash. Choosing social...
By age 15, most girls have had their first menstrual period and have completed the rapid growth spurt that usually occurs during puberty. After the first period, teenage girls grow 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) to 3 in. (7.6 cm) on average. Other early changes of puberty, such as the growth of pubic hair and breasts,...
Your doctor or physical therapist will design a physical rehabilitation (rehab) program for you that takes into consideration your normal level of activity, physical fitness, and extent of your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. A rehab program should include: Flexibility exercises. Strengthening exercises...
The physical signs of alcohol use disorder can be vague in the early stages of the disease. Some early symptoms include: Blackouts, which cause you to not remember what happened when you were drinking. Blackouts are not the same as passing out. Passing out occurs when you lose consciousness. You don't pass out when you...
Physical therapists are health professionals who evaluate physical problems and injuries, then provide education and treatment to promote health and physical function. Physical therapists also develop programs that include exercise and stretching to increase fitness and prevent injury. A physical therapist provides...
A physical therapist can develop a program for you that includes learning and practicing techniques for regaining normal jaw movement. The focus of physical therapy for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is relaxation, stretching, and releasing tight muscles and scar tissue. Physical therapy is an especially important...
Some medical tests report results in picograms (pg). A picogram is one-trillionth of a gram. A gram is about 1/30 of an ounce.
What is pityriasis alba? Pityriasis alba (say "pih-tih-RY-uh-sus AL-buh") is a common skin problem that causes round or oval patches of skin that look lighter than the rest of the skin. The patches may look pink or slightly scaly at first. How the patches look may bother you, but they aren't harmful. Over time, the...
What is pityriasis rosea? Pityriasis rosea (say "pih-tih-RY-uh-sus ROH-zee-uh") is a common skin problem that causes a rash. Although it can occur at any age, it is seen most often in those between the ages of 10 and 35. Pityriasis rosea is usually harmless. What causes pityriasis rosea? Experts aren't sure what causes...
A placebo effect is an improvement in the symptoms of a disease or condition when a person is treated with a drug or other treatment that he or she expects to work, even though the treatment may not have been proved effective. When a drug or treatment seems to work for some people but has...
Placebo and sham treatment are methods used in medical trials to help researchers determine the effectiveness of a drug or treatment. Placebos are inactive substances used to compare results with active substances. And in sham treatments, the doctor goes through the motions without actually performing the treatment. A...
Placenta percreta is the abnormal growth of the placenta, which provides life support to the growing fetus, through the uterine wall and sometimes into the bladder or rectum.
Placenta previa is a placenta that covers all or part of the cervix. During labor and delivery, placenta previa can cause severe bleeding. It can be dangerous for both mother and baby. A cesarean delivery (C-section) is often done to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Discusses open surgery and endoscopic surgery to help relieve foot and heel pain from plantar fasciitis. Describes how it is done and what to expect after surgery. Covers how well it works and the risks.
The plantar fascia is a ligament attached to the heel bone (calcaneus) that divides and fans out to attach at the base of the toes.
Plantar fasciitis (say "PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus") is pain in your heel or the bottom of your foot. It happens when the flat band of tissue (ligament) that supports the arch of your foot is inflamed or irritated. Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people. It also occurs in younger people who are on their feet a...
Plantar fasciitis in athletes is often the result of overtraining. You will need to reduce your level of activity. Or you will need to switch to another type of activity that puts less stress on your feet. This, combined with stretching, anti-inflammatory drugs, and making sure that you have good-quality shoes, will...
Guides through the decision to have surgery for plantar fasciitis to relieve foot and heel pain. Covers alternative treatments, including stretching exercises and orthotics. Discusses risks. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Plasma cell neoplasms are diseases in which the body makes too many plasma cells. Plasma cells develop from B lymphocytes (B cells), a type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow. Normally, when bacteria or viruses enter the body, some of the B cells will change into plasma cells. The plasma...
Playgrounds may have hazards that can cause injury. Following some basic safety measures can help your child have fun and play safely. General checks Make sure there is a soft surface under play equipment, such as sand, wood chips, or rubber matting. Check the surface temperature of play equipment if it is warm outside...
The pleura includes two thin layers of tissue that protect and cushion the lungs. The inner layer (visceral pleura) wraps around the lungs and is stuck so tightly to the lungs that it cannot be peeled off. The outer layer (parietal pleura) lines the inside of the chest wall. The very thin space between the...
Vaccination can protect both children and adults from pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria that can spread from person to person through close contact. It can cause ear infections, and it can also lead to more serious infections of the:Lungs (pneumonia). Blood (bacteremia). Covering of the…
Pneumocystis is a fungus that can sometimes cause pneumonia in people who have AIDS. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia can make it hard to breathe and to get enough oxygen into the bloodstream. Symptoms often begin suddenly and may be similar to those of an upper respiratory infection, such as influenza...
Learn what you can do at home to help yourself get better from pneumonia.
Discusses rash (also called contact dermatitis) caused by touching poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Covers risks. Offers home treatment and prevention tips. Covers medicines to relieve symptoms.
Learn how to wash so you won't spread the rash.
A poison is a substance that has toxic effects and may injure you or make you sick if you are exposed to it. Poisons can be found everywhere, from simple household cleaners to cosmetics to houseplants to industrial chemicals. Even medicines that are taken in the wrong dose, at the wrong time, or by the...
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), also known as polyarthritis, affects 5 or more joints during the first 6 months of symptoms. This type of JIA is more severe than oligoarticular JIA, because it affects more joints and tends to get worse over time. Polyarticular JIA often begins in large joints, such as...
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints. This causes pain and stiffness, most often in the neck, shoulders, or hips. The cause is unknown. PMR is treated with steroid medicines, which reduce inflammation. Some people who have PMR also have giant cell arteritis. This is another...
Polyps can grow on the inner surface of the nose or throat or in organs such as the large intestine (colon) or uterus. Most polyps are benign (not cancerous). But some polyps, such as those in the colon, can become cancerous over time.
Portal hypertension is high blood pressure in the veins that filter blood from the intestines through the liver (portal system of the liver). It may cause complications such as fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity (ascites) or enlarged veins (varices) in the esophagus or stomach. Cirrhosis is a process that destroys...
Learn how one working mom trained herself to stop negative thoughts.
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (radioactive substance) to look at organs in the body. The tracer usually is a special form of a substance (such as glucose) that collects in cells that are using a lot of energy, such as cancer cells. During...
Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or deep vein blood clot. After a while, this blood clot (usually in your leg), can damage the vein. Damage to the vein can lead to more pressure in the veins. The increased pressure can cause long-term problems such as swelling, skin damage...
Illustration adapted with permission from the University of Wisconsin Medical School. Infants: Lay your infant on his or her stomach with the head and upper body flat. Clap with a cupped hand over the lower ribs and behind the armpit on each side. In order to prevent the chance of reflux, do not tip your...
Illustration adapted with permission from the University of Wisconsin Medical School Infants: Lay your infant on his or her side, being sure to keep the head and upper body as flat as possible. Clap with a cupped hand below the armpit on each side. To prevent the chance of reflux, do not tip your infant...
Illustration adapted with permission from the University of Wisconsin Medical School. Have the child lean forward 30 degrees. Clap with a cupped hand between the collarbone and shoulder blade on each side of the back.
What does it mean to be grateful? Gratitude is saying "thank you." But it's more than a thank-you to a friend for a favor or gift. Gratitude is saying thanks for everything that is important to you and good in your life. You are thankful for a gift, but you're also thankful to watch a...
What is prayer? Prayer is part of the world's oldest faith traditions and cultures. For many people around the world, prayer has a place in their daily lives. It is how they connect with God, a higher power, inner strength, or spiritual energy. Prayer can be a very personal experience. It can be silent, as...
Guides you through the decision to use the medicine metformin, lifestyle changes, or both to prevent type 2 diabetes. Provides specifics about metformin and goals for lifestyle changes. Lists benefits and risks. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.
When you are pregnant, wear a seat belt firmly across your lap, just below your abdomen. Position the shoulder belt diagonally between your breasts.
Pelvic pain and problems urinating may mean you have a bladder infection. Flank pain with fever and urinary symptoms may mean you have a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Flank pain is felt just below the rib cage and above the waist. It can be on one or both sides of the back. If you have pelvic...
Learn how to protect your back and relieve pain during pregnancy.
At the end of the third trimester, the baby settles, or drops lower, into the mother's pelvis. This is known as dropping or lightening. Dropping is not a good predictor of when labor will begin. In first-time mothers, dropping usually occurs 2 to 4 weeks before delivery, but it can happen earlier. In women who...
Your first prenatal visit is likely to be more extensive than later prenatal checks. Your doctor will take your medical history and do a complete physical exam. Medical history Your medical history helps your doctor plan the best possible care for your pregnancy and childbirth. It includes: Your menstrual history...
Learn about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy and how to do it safely.
Learn about the different ways doctors and midwives handle pregnancies and deliver babies.
When you are pregnant, you may get aches and pains in your hips and pelvic area. This is a normal sign that your pelvic area is preparing for childbirth. (This area is also called the pelvic girdle.) Pregnancy hormones are relaxing your ligaments. This loosens up your pelvic bones so they can shift and open...
Pregnancy starts a new phase of your relationship with your partner. You can expect a natural shift in roles as well as attention to and expectations of each other. If you are new to parenthood as a couple, you will notice that your focus on each other is evolving into something new—attention to a third...
Have CVS (chorionic villus sampling). Don't have CVS. CVS is done in the first trimester. If the test shows a serious health problem, you have more time to decide whether you want to continue your pregnancy or make plans to care for a sick child. CVS isn't a routine test. But your doctor may...
Find out the important differences between "practice contractions" and preterm labor.
Stretch marks Stretch marks (striae gravidarum) are lines on the skin that may appear late in pregnancy. They look like slightly indented pink, red, dark, or white streaks, depending on your skin color. Stretch marks are most common on the belly, but they can also develop on the breasts and thighs. The cause of stretch...
Abnormal vaginal discharge Changing hormone levels during pregnancy can affect the normal balance of organisms in the vagina. If you are pregnant and have abnormal vaginal symptoms, such as vaginal discharge or itching, talk with your doctor about your symptoms before using home treatment measures or nonprescription...
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that are caused by faulty valves in the veins or weak vein walls. They are common during pregnancy, particularly in women with a family history of the problem. Varicose veins typically develop on the legs but can also affect the vulva. Though varicose veins are often only a...
Before a baby is born, the amniotic sac breaks open, causing amniotic fluid to either leak slowly or gush out. When this happens before contractions start, it is called prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM). PROM can occur at any time during pregnancy before labor begins. Early PROM (before 37 completed weeks of...
Delivery before the 37th week is called a premature, or preterm, delivery. A premature delivery can cause problems for the infants if their organs are not fully developed. Infants delivered before 32 weeks have greater health risks than those who are delivered at 32 weeks of gestation or later. Multiple pregnancies...
What is premature ejaculation? Premature ejaculation is uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration. It happens with minimal sexual stimulation and before the person wishes. It may result in unsatisfactory sex for both partners. This can increase the anxiety that may add to the problem. It...
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), causes physical and mood-related symptoms that seriously disrupt a woman's life and relationships. PMDD symptoms develop during the latter half of each menstrual cycle, after ovulation, and go away during the first few days of each...
Covers symptoms of PMS such as bloating, muscle aches, and mood swings. Discusses possible causes and what increases your risk. Covers treatment with lifestyle changes, antidepressants, or birth control pills. Covers surgery for severe form (PMDD).
Not all hospital stays begin in the emergency room. Sometimes you have time to prepare for a scheduled hospital stay. But even when you don't have an emergency medical problem, getting ready to go to the hospital may leave you feeling overwhelmed and even a little stressed. By taking steps to prepare for your stay...
Learn the simple steps that can help you reach a goal of quitting medicine misuse.
A pressure injury (bed sore) is caused by constant pressure. This often occurs when a person lies in bed or sits in a wheelchair for a long time. Pressure injuries usually form over bony areas such as the hips, lower back, elbows, and heels. To prevent pressure injuries, you need to change positions often. Severe...
How can pressure injuries be prevented? Relieve pressure on the skin Relieving and spreading out pressure is the most important part of both preventing and treating pressure injuries. Putting pressure on one spot for long periods of time decreases blood flow to that area. This damages or kills the cells and creates a...
Preterm labor is labor that starts too early, between 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. It can be caused by a problem involving the baby, the mother, or both. But sometimes the cause isn't known. The earlier delivery happens, the greater the chances are that the baby will have serious problems.
During pregnancy, a uterine infection causes inflammation, which can trigger preterm labor. This inflammation can also stimulate the amnion cells to produce fetal fibronectin, a protein. Fetal fibronectin testing is sometimes done when preterm labor symptoms are present. When the fetal fibronectin test is negative, it...
Don't drink too much alcohol before eating. It may dull your senses, and you might not chew food properly or might try to swallow too large a portion of food. Take small bites. Cut meat into small pieces. Chew your food thoroughly. Do not give popcorn, nuts, or hard candy to children younger than 4,...
Learn how a heart-healthy lifestyle can lower your risk for heart disease.
Learn how to help prevent dangerous blood clots after your surgery.
Tips for older adults and people who have had a stroke or have multiple sclerosis or osteoporosis to help prevent falls and injuries. Covers taking care of your health and making changes in your home. Covers preventing falls in the bathroom and outdoors.
Learn how to do a simple exercise to strengthen your core and prevent falls.
Learn how to do two exercises to improve your strength and balance.
Learn how to prevent problems and recover well after surgery.
To avoid bites from spiders: Wear gloves if working in an area where spiders are likely to live. Avoid wood or rock piles and dark areas where spiders live. Look for spiders in low-lying webs in garages, in barbecue grills, around swimming pools, and in wood piles. Clear away old furniture, tires, junk, newspaper, and...
Tooth decay, called dental caries, is caused by bacteria eating away the outer protective layer (enamel) of a tooth. Help prevent tooth decay in young children by adopting the following healthy habits: Teach your child to brush and floss every day. Clean your baby's gums with a soft cloth or gauze pad to remove plaque...
Priapism is a painful condition in which the penis stays erect without sexual stimulation. Priapism can occur in short, repeated episodes, or it may last for days or weeks. Priapism can be a serious problem. It can cause unbearable pain and may damage the penis, making it impossible to get a normal erection (erectile...
Discusses primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Looks at causes and symptoms. Covers how it is diagnosed and treated. Also looks at symptoms of advanced liver damage such as variceal bleeding and osteoporosis.
Problem-solving therapy is a brief, focused form of cognitive therapy that is often used to treat symptoms of depression. It focuses on the problems a person is currently facing and on helping to find solutions to those problems. Problem-solving therapy can be conducted by a health professional, such as a nurse educated...
Progestin is a synthetic hormone used to affect a woman's body in the same ways as the hormone progesterone. The ovaries produce progesterone during the second half of the menstrual cycle to help prepare the uterus for pregnancy. At the time of menopause, the level of progesterone declines. Progesterone regulates the...
Looks at progestin-only hormonal methods (mini-pills, implants, and shots) to prevent pregnancy. Includes generic and brand names such as medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera). Covers how well they work and side effects.
Program B: Neck rotation Keeping your chin level, turn your head to the left, and hold for at least 15 seconds. Turn your head to the right and hold for at least 15 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times to each side. Program B: Elbow extension with a ball Sit tall in your chair, and...
The body responds to stress with muscle tension, which can cause pain or discomfort. In turn, tense muscles relay to the body that it's stressed, which keeps the stress–muscle-tension cycle going. Progressive muscle relaxation helps break this cycle by reducing muscle tension and general mental anxiety. Progressive...
Progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare form of MS that causes steady damage to nerves when symptoms first appear and continues to cause progressive worsening. Relapses (disease flare-ups) occur, followed by full or partial recovery, but nerve damage continues and symptoms become increasingly disabling...
This exercise strengthens the buttocks muscles, which support the back and help you lift with your legs. Lie flat on your stomach with your arms at your sides. Slowly tighten your buttocks muscles and hold the position (not your breath) for about 6 seconds. Relax slowly. Repeat 8 to 12 times. You may need to...
Improper posture may put too much stress on your back and neck. The key to good back posture is to keep the right amount of curve in your lower back. A healthy back has three natural front-to-back curves that give the spine an "S" shape. Too much curve (swayback) or too little curve (flat back)...
The best position for mouse and trackball use is with your wrist neutral. Your wrist should not bend to tilt your hand up or out to the side. The same idea will help when you do other activities that require you to use your fingers and hands in the same way over and over. As...
Learn the right way to lift objects to protect your back.
Good sitting posture at your workstation means your shoulders are relaxed, your feet are flat on the floor, and you can sit up straight to do your work. Guidelines include: A chair that helps you keep your normal spinal curvature. A supportive chair: Is adjustable, so that you can set the height to rest your...
Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the teeth meet the gums. Press firmly, and gently rock the brush back and forth using small circular movements. Do not scrub.
Note: Separate PDQ summaries on Prostate Cancer Screening, Prostate Cancer Treatment, and Levels of Evidence for Cancer Screening and Prevention Studies are also available. Benefits From Finasteride and Dutasteride Chemoprevention Chemoprevention with finasteride and dutasteride reduces the incidence of prostate cancer...
Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the chance of getting cancer. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer in a group or population is lowered. Hopefully, this will lower the number of deaths caused by cancer. To prevent new cancers from starting, scientists look at risk factors and protective...
Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the prostate. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It lies just below the bladder (the organ that collects and empties urine) and in front of the rectum (the lower part of the intestine). It is about...
Discusses prostate cancer that has spread or come back. Discusses symptoms. Covers treatment choices and factors that will affect them, including age, PSA level, Gleason score, and how far cancer has spread. Covers end-of-life issues.
This cancer information summary provides an overview of the use of various foods and dietary supplements for reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer or for treating prostate cancer. This summary includes the history of research, reviews of laboratory and animal studies, and results of clinical trials on the...
Men in the United States get prostate cancer more than any other type of cancer except skin cancer. It is found mainly in older men. In the United States, about one out of five men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die of it. Complementary and alternative...
Guides you through decision to use active surveillance for men who have low-risk and for some men who have medium-risk localized prostate cancer. Lists reasons for and against active surveillance. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Guides you through choosing between radiation therapy and surgery (prostatectomy) to treat prostate cancer. Lists reasons for and against radiation therapy. Also lists reasons for and against surgery. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
The prostate is a doughnut-shaped gland with two lobes, and it is located below the bladder about halfway between the rectum and the base of the penis. It encircles the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis), and in young men it is normally about the size of a...
Discusses prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to measure amount of PSA in the blood. Explains that test is often used for cancer screening or follow-up. Covers how test is done and how to prepare for it. Discusses what results mean.
Protective pads can remove the pressure or friction that is causing a callus or corn, giving it time to heal. For smaller calluses and corns, cut a circle out of moleskin and then cut the center out of the circle so you have a doughnut-shaped pad. Put it on your skin so that the callus...
There are different types of adult protective underwear for men and women. Types include an elastic pull-up, ones that use adhesive tabs or an elastic band with buttons, or a cloth pull-up. A chux pad can help absorb moisture. Elastic pull-up Adhesive tab pull-up Cloth pull-up Elastic band/button pull-up Chux pad
Protein is an essential nutrient made up of building-block chemicals called amino acids. Protein provides energy and is needed for the body to make new cells, to maintain and rebuild muscles, to carry other nutrients, to act as messengers in the body, and to support the immune system. You can get protein from meat...
Pruritus is an itchy feeling that makes you want to scratch your skin. It may occur without a rash or skin lesions. Pruritus sometimes feels like pain because the signals for itching and pain travel along the same nerve pathways. Scratching may cause breaks in the skin, bleeding, and infection. If your skin feels itchy...
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on uncovering or understanding a person's past to gain insight into current actions and behavior. This technique assumes that problems with behavior are caused by internal conflicts that the person is not consciously aware of. Psychodynamic therapy assumes that everyone has an unconscious...
The pubis is the area where the two pubic bones meet in the front and are joined by cartilage (symphysis pubis). One part of the pubic bone merges upward with an upper hipbone (ilium), while another part merges below with a lower hipbone (ischium).
Pulmonary edema is the buildup of fluid in the lungs, usually resulting from the heart's inability to pump blood through the body effectively. It can be caused by such things as heart or kidney failure, poisoning, or near-drowning. Symptoms of pulmonary edema include difficulty breathing, restlessness, shortness of...
Discusses primary cause (blood clot in the lungs) and symptoms of pulmonary embolism. Looks at treatment with thrombolytic medicines, blood thinners (anticoagulants), or surgery. Links to info on complications like pulmonary hypertension.
What is pulmonary hypertension? Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs. This may also be called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These arteries carry blood from the heart to the lungs, where the blood picks up oxygen. The walls of the arteries may get thick, which narrows the...
A puncture wound is a forceful injury caused by a sharp, pointed object that penetrates the skin. A puncture wound is usually narrower and deeper than a cut or scrape.
Few things are more important to your health and survival during a long emergency than having water that is safe to drink. Knowing how to purify water can help you if your regular water supply becomes contaminated or if you are in a place where clean water is not available. Even if you have stored...
Purines are amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. The two purines important in proteins in the body are guanine and adenine. Some foods contain high amounts of purines, including: Organ meats, such as liver, kidneys, sweetbreads, and brains. Meats, including bacon, beef, pork, and lamb, and game meats...
Breathing while bending forward can help you breathe more easily while you are exercising or resting. Lean forward at the waist, and keep your back straight. People often use a table or the back of a chair for this. You can also use this breathing method while you are sitting down. Pursed-lip breathing helps you...