Medical dictionary

What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an acute inflammatory condition of one or both of the lungs caused by infection. It primarily affects the alveoli which are the small air sacs deep in the lungs, where oxygen passes into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide passes out back into the lungs. In people with pneumonia, these air sacs become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus.  What causes

What is pneumothorax?Pneumothorax is the medical term for a collapsed lung. This occurs when air is present in the space between the lungs and the rib cage, which is known as the pleural space. This causes a loss of lung volume, as the pressure that keeps the lungs inflated is disrupted by air accumulating in the pleural space.Air within the pleural space can come from the lung itself, or from out

What is podiatry? Podiatry is the medical specialty that studies diseases and disorders affecting the feet. Health professionals of this branch responsible for diagnosing and treating the different conditions and deformities using therapeutic techniques typical of podiatry, or referring to the appropriate specialist. What diseases does do podiatrists treat? The most frequent foot trea

What is poisoning? Poisoning refers to accidental contact with toxic substances that may lead to serious health problems, possibly becoming life-threatening. With regard to paediatric poisoning, the majority of cases usually occur at home by ingestion of medications, cleaning products or gardening products. Poisoning is a common reason for paediatric consultations; in the last few years, the ra

What is the POLD method? The POLD method is an advanced physiotherapy technique that treats chronic lower-back pain, as well as other injuries, conditions and diseases. These include: Fibromyalgia; Sprains; Tendonitis; Impingements; Scoliosis; Herniated discs due to osteoarthritis or muscular overload, for example.   What is involved in the POLD method? Be

What is PKD? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic kidney disorder in which large cysts (big fluid sacs) form on the kidneys. These cysts increase kidney size and reduce functional tissue.    You should see a nephrologist for treatment. What are the symptoms? There are some cases where the symptoms are so mild that the person doesn’t realise they have this co

What is it? Polycythaemia vera (PV or primary polycythaemia) is a chronic condition causing an anomaly in the bone marrow, leading to an uncontrolled production of red blood cells. Red blood cell overproduction can make the blood thicker than it should be, making blood circulation much harder. Polycythaemia vera is hence associated with a higher risk of blood clots and thrombosis. It is a

What is polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)?Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a complex hormonal condition affecting how a woman’s ovaries function due to an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Until recently, it was known as PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome).   PMOS causes the ovaries to produce abnormal androgens (male sex hormones). Hormones regulate t

What is polymyalgia rheumatica? Polymyalgia rheumatica, often called PMR, is an inflammatory disease which causes pain, stiffness and limited mobility in the neck, shoulders, arms, hips, torso, pelvic girdle and thighs. It is unknown what causes the condition to develop but is mostly suffered by women over fifty.     What is the prognosis for polymyalgia rheumatica? Al