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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
- + PPG
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- PPG
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"PPG" is more commonly referred to as "Penile Plethysmography" in the medical community.
Penile Plethysmography
A test that measures blood flow in the penis in response to particular audio and/or visual stimuli. It is a controversial method that is sometimes used to measure sexual arousal.
- + PPHN
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- PPHN
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"PPHN" is more commonly referred to as "Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn" in the medical community.
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
An uncommon, but serious condition in which an infant's blood supply bypasses the lungs and is not oxygenated. Treatment is necessary for survival, but some cases have a poor outlook even with treatment.
More Information on Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn: Pediatric Heart
- + PPL
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- PPL
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A type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia that usually progressed more rapidly. It involves too many immature white blood cells (prolymphocytes) circulating in the blood and within bone marrow.
More Information on PPL: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
- + pPNET
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- pPNET
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"pPNET" is more commonly referred to as "Ewing Sarcoma" in the medical community.
Ewing Sarcoma
Also Known As: "Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor, Ewing Tumor, EFT"
A type of bone cancer primarily in children. Unlike other forms of bone cancer (osteosarcomas), it is treatable with radiation. It is a member of the Ewing family of tumors.
More Information on Ewing Sarcoma: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
- + PPO
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- PPO
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A health care plan made up of a network of health care providers who agree to provide patient care at a discounted rate. PPOs typically provide patients with more choice of doctors, no referrals and even out-of-network coverage at a higher rate.
More Information on PPO: Healthcare Basics
- + PPS
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- PPS
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"PPS" is more commonly referred to as "Postpericardiotomy Syndrome" in the medical community.
Postpericardiotomy Syndrome
Also Known As: "Dressler Syndrome, Post Pericardiotomy Syndrome, Post-MI Pericarditis"
An inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart) caused by the pooling of blood in that area after open-heart surgery.
More Information on Postpericardiotomy Syndrome: Heart Injuries & Infections
- + PPT
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- PPT
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Also Known As: "Partial Thromboplastin Time, PCT, Partial Prothrombin Time, APTT, PT Time, Pro-Time"
One of several blood tests that measure the time it takes for blood to clot. Results are adjusted with the international normalization ratio (INR), which physicians use to monitor patients on anticoagulant therapy.
- + PR
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- PR
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"PR" is more commonly referred to as "Pityriasis Rosea" in the medical community.
Pityriasis Rosea
Also Known As: "Christmas Tree Rash, Pityriasis Rosea Gibert"
Common skin disorder with a characteristic rash that tends to affect young people. It is believed to be caused by a virus and most often appears in the spring and fall. Episodes tend to last between four and eight weeks.
More Information on Pityriasis Rosea: Skin Related Infections
- + Practitioner of Chiropractic
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- Practitioner of Chiropractic
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"Practitioner of Chiropractic" is more commonly referred to as "Chiropractor" in the medical community.
Chiropractor
Practitioners who adjust or manipulate areas of abnormal structures (primarily along the spine) based on the premise that the structure and functions of the body are related. They are not medical doctors.
More Information on Chiropractor: Pain Management
- + Prader Willi Syndrome
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- Prader Willi Syndrome
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A complex genetic disorder that causes low muscle tone, short stature, incomplete sexual development, cognitive disabilities and chronic hunger. Patients may eat excessively and are at risk for life-threatening obesity.
More Information on Prader Willi Syndrome: Birth & Genetic Disorders
- + Pramlintide Acetate
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- Pramlintide Acetate
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"Pramlintide Acetate" is more commonly referred to as "Synthetic Amylin" in the medical community.
Synthetic Amylin
A synthetic form of human amylin, a hormone secreted in the body along with insulin which increases insulin sensitivity. It is an antidiabetic agent approved for use in treating both type 1 and type 2 diabetes when insulin alone is not able to control blood sugar levels.
More Information on Synthetic Amylin: Diabetes & Endocrine Drugs
- + Prasterone
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- Prasterone
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"Prasterone" is more commonly referred to as "DHEA" in the medical community.
DHEA
Also Known As: "Dehydroepiandrosterone"
A steroid that is produced in the gonads, brain and adipose tissue which is secreted by the adrenal gland. Currently, this hormone is being studied for cancer prevention properties.
More Information on DHEA: Herbs & Supplements
- + Pravachol
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- Pravachol
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Also Known As: "Pravastatin"
A brand name medication (generic pravastatin) belonging to a class of drugs called statins -- cholesterol-reducing medications used in the treatment of high cholesterol.
More Information on Pravachol: Heart Drug & Medication
- + Pravastatin
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- Pravastatin
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A brand name medication (generic pravastatin) belonging to a class of drugs called statins -- cholesterol-reducing medications used in the treatment of high cholesterol.
More Information on Pravastatin: Heart Drug & Medication
- + Prazepam
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- Prazepam
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"Prazepam" is more commonly referred to as "Flurazepam" in the medical community.
Flurazepam
Also Known As: "Oxazepam, Triazolam, Halazepam, Quazepam, Ketazolam, Nitrazepam, Temazepam"
A type of medication belonging to the drug class of benzodiazepines.
More Information on Flurazepam: Psychiatric Medications
- + Pre Formed Retinol
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- Pre Formed Retinol
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"Pre Formed Retinol" is more commonly referred to as "Vitamin A" in the medical community.
Vitamin A
A fat-soluble vitamin that performs functions associated with normal cell growth and development and prevents skin from becoming dry and hardened. It is found in fish-liver oils, milk and some yellow and dark green vegetables.
More Information on Vitamin A: Vitamins
- + Pre Op Care
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- Pre Op Care
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Patient care provided before an operation. This care includes answering any of the patient's questions, cleaning and preparing the surgical area and handling dentures and jewelry that must be removed before surgery.
More Information on Pre Op Care: Healthcare Basics
- + Prebiotics
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- Prebiotics
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Non-digestible substances that can aid in digestion and prevent gastrointestinal problems. They help increase helpful bacteria levels and may aid in the absorption of minerals. They are found in foods (e.g., onions, bananas) and supplements.
More Information on Prebiotics: Herbs & Supplements
- + Precancerous
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- Precancerous
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Also Known As: "Premalignant"
A term used to describe cell changes that are not cancerous, but may become so in the future. Not all precancerous tissue becomes cancerous.
More Information on Precancerous: Cancer Basics
- + Precancerous Dermatitis
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- Precancerous Dermatitis
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"Precancerous Dermatitis" is more commonly referred to as "Bowen Disease" in the medical community.
Bowen Disease
Also Known As: "Precancerous Dermatosis"
A skin condition that may be classified as precancerous or a form of squamous cell carcinoma. It is marked by thickened or patchy areas of the skin, usually on sun-exposed areas, and may result from prolonged exposure to arsenic.
More Information on Bowen Disease: Skin Growths
- + Precancerous Dermatosis
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- Precancerous Dermatosis
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"Precancerous Dermatosis" is more commonly referred to as "Bowen Disease" in the medical community.
Bowen Disease
Also Known As: "Precancerous Dermatitis"
A skin condition that may be classified as precancerous or a form of squamous cell carcinoma. It is marked by thickened or patchy areas of the skin, usually on sun-exposed areas, and may result from prolonged exposure to arsenic.
More Information on Bowen Disease: Skin Growths
- + Precision Attachment
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- Precision Attachment
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A secure and precise interlocking attachment between a bridge or denture and the crown of a nearby tooth or implant.
More Information on Precision Attachment: Dental Restorations
- + Precocious Puberty
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- Precocious Puberty
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The abnormally early onset of puberty, typically before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 in boys.
More Information on Precocious Puberty: Puberty & Sexual Maturity
- + Precursor
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- Precursor
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A substance that is converted into another active substance. Enzyme precursors also are called proenzymes.
- + Precursor Lesion
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- Precursor Lesion
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An infected or diseased patch of skin that will turn into cancer if left untreated.
More Information on Precursor Lesion: Skin Related Infections
- + Prediabetes
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- Prediabetes
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Also Known As: "Chemical Diabetes, Borderline Diabetes, Impaired Fasting Glucose, Subclinical Diabetes, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, IFG, Latent Diabetes, IGT"
A condition in which glucose (blood sugar) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to classify the patient as having diabetes. Formerly known as latent, borderline, subclinical or chemical diabetes, it may or may not progress to diabetes.
More Information on Prediabetes: Diabetes & Endocrine Basics
- + Prediabetes & Children
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- Prediabetes & Children
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Also Known As: "Chemical Diabetes & Children, Borderline Diabetes & Children, Impaired Fasting Glucose & Children, Subclinical Diabetes & Children, Impaired Glucose Tolerance & Children, IFG & Children, Latent Diabetes & Children, IGT & Children"
A condition in which glucose (blood sugar) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to classify the patient as having diabetes (formerly known as latent, borderline, subclinical or chemical diabetes). It may or may not progress to diabetes.
More Information on Prediabetes & Children: Pediatric Diabetes
- + Preeclampsia
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- Preeclampsia
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Also Known As: "Toxemia of Pregnancy"
Complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, excessive levels of protein in the blood, headaches and swelling. It may escalate to eclampsia.
More Information on Preeclampsia: Pregnancy Basics
- + Preemies
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- Preemies
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Also Known As: "Prematurity, Premature Babies"
Birth of an infant before the 37th week of gestation. It is the leading cause of death in newborns. Infants born before full term face many challenges, including respiratory problems, infections, blood disorders and developmental disabilities.
More Information on Preemies: Pregnancy Basics
- + Preesophageal Dysphagia
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- Preesophageal Dysphagia
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Difficulty moving food from the mouth into the esophagus.
More Information on Preesophageal Dysphagia: Oral Signs & Symptoms
- + Preexitation Syndrome
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- Preexitation Syndrome
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"Preexitation Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome" in the medical community.
Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome
Also Known As: "Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome"
Malformed electrical pathways between the heart's chambers cause signals to arrive too soon and too fast to the ventricles and then "bounce back" to the ventricles, prompting a rapid and irregular heart beat.
More Information on Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome: Arrhythmia
- + Preferred Provider Organization
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- Preferred Provider Organization
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Also Known As: "PPO"
A health care plan made up of a network of health care providers who agree to provide patient care at a discounted rate. PPOs typically provide patients with more choice of doctors, no referrals and even out-of-network coverage at a higher rate.
More Information on Preferred Provider Organization: Healthcare Basics
- + Pregnancy & Alcohol
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- Pregnancy & Alcohol
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"Pregnancy & Alcohol" is more commonly referred to as "Alcohol & Pregnancy" in the medical community.
Alcohol & Pregnancy
Also Known As: "Drinking & Pregnancy"
Alcohol is a teratogenic substance (capable of causing birth defects). The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends avoiding alcohol entirely during pregnancy.
More Information on Alcohol & Pregnancy: Pregnancy Management
- + Pregnancy & Asthma
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- Pregnancy & Asthma
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Women with asthma may be more susceptible to flare-ups during pregnancy.
More Information on Pregnancy & Asthma: Asthma Basics
- + Pregnancy & Diabetes
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- Pregnancy & Diabetes
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Pregnancy is no longer discouraged in women with diabetes. However, it is crucial that women with diabetes control their blood sugar levels both before and during pregnancy. There are also important issues of care for mother and baby after birth.
More Information on Pregnancy & Diabetes: Women's Diabetes
- + Pregnancy & Diet
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- Pregnancy & Diet
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Also Known As: "Nutrition & Pregnancy"
Good nutrition benefits a developing baby and the mother. The need for certain nutrients such as folic acid, calcium and iron increases.
More Information on Pregnancy & Diet: Pregnancy Management
- + Pregnancy & Heart Disease
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- Pregnancy & Heart Disease
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Pregnant heart patients need special care during pregnancy and heart-related conditions may develop in otherwise healthy women who become pregnant. Also, a heart defect or other congenital heart disease could develop in the fetus.
More Information on Pregnancy & Heart Disease: Women's Heart
- + Pregnancy & Oral Health
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- Pregnancy & Oral Health
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Pregnancy can cause additional concerns with oral health, such as an increased risk of gingivitis and the development of benign pregnancy tumors. However, these conditions can typically be prevented with proper dental hygiene.
More Information on Pregnancy & Oral Health: Pregnancy Management
- + Pregnancy & Sex
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- Pregnancy & Sex
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A woman's sex drive may decrease, stay the same, increase or fluctuate during pregnancy. Physicians usually discourage intercourse during pregnancy only when certain factors occur (e.g., placenta previa, history of premature labor or miscarriage).
More Information on Pregnancy & Sex: Pregnancy Management
- + Pregnancy & the Heart
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- Pregnancy & the Heart
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Also Known As: "Pregnancy and Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Patients & Pregnancy, Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy"
The best way for a woman to increase her chances of bringing a healthy baby into the world (and to remain healthy herself) is to involve a physician and other professional medical personnel as soon as she decides to have a child.
More Information on Pregnancy & the Heart: Women's Heart
- + Pregnancy & Travel
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- Pregnancy & Travel
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Travel limitations during pregnancy will vary from patient to patient. Considerations include length of gestation, general health of the mother, complications, immunizations and type of travel.
More Information on Pregnancy & Travel: Pregnancy Management
- + Pregnancy and Breast Cancer
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- Pregnancy and Breast Cancer
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"Pregnancy and Breast Cancer" is more commonly referred to as "Reproduction Issues & Breast Cancer" in the medical community.
Reproduction Issues & Breast Cancer
Also Known As: "Fertility and Breast Cancer"
Planning a pregnancy and/or becoming pregnant raises numerous issues, including the risk of accelerating the growth of tumors, whether to wait (and for how long to wait) for treatment to finish before becoming pregnant, nursing and other topics.
More Information on Reproduction Issues & Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer
- + Pregnancy and Cardiovascular Disease
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- Pregnancy and Cardiovascular Disease
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Also Known As: "Heart Patients & Pregnancy, Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy"
The best way for a woman to increase her chances of bringing a healthy baby into the world (and to remain healthy herself) is to involve a physician and other professional medical personnel as soon as she decides to have a child.
More Information on Pregnancy and Cardiovascular Disease: Women's Heart
- + Pregnancy Basics
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- Pregnancy Basics
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Also Known As: "Pregnant"
The condition of carrying a developing fetus in the uterus. Normal term is about 280 days. Involves many biological as well as familial, behavioral and socioeconomic changes.
More Information on Pregnancy Basics: Pregnancy Basics
- + Pregnancy Complications
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- Pregnancy Complications
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Any condition or illness that threatens mother and/or fetus during pregnancy. These may be associated with the mother's preexisting disorders or diseases, the condition of the sperm and the egg, environmental factors and other concerns.
More Information on Pregnancy Complications: Pregnancy Basics
- + Pregnancy Gingivitis
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- Pregnancy Gingivitis
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The surge of hormones during pregnancy may lead to an increased amount of plaque on the teeth. If dental hygiene is lax, this can cause gingivitis.
More Information on Pregnancy Gingivitis: Oral Infections
- + Pregnancy Related Incontinence
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- Pregnancy Related Incontinence
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"Pregnancy Related Incontinence" is more commonly referred to as "Incontinence & Pregnancy" in the medical community.
Incontinence & Pregnancy
Problems controlling the urinary bladder during or after pregnancy. It is estimate to affect a third of pregnant women.
More Information on Incontinence & Pregnancy: Pregnancy Management
- + Pregnancy Termination
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- Pregnancy Termination
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"Pregnancy Termination" is more commonly referred to as "Induced Abortion" in the medical community.
Induced Abortion
Also Known As: "VIP, Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy"
Planned termination of a zygote, embryo or fetus during pregnancy, as opposed to spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). Types include dilation and curettage (D&C), dilation and evacuation (D&E), suction and the pill RU486.
More Information on Induced Abortion: Pregnancy Basics
- + Pregnancy Tests
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- Pregnancy Tests
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Urine or blood tests to determine if a woman is pregnant. Many types of prescription and over-the-counter urine tests of varying accuracy are available. Blood tests are usually performed through a physician's office.
More Information on Pregnancy Tests: ObGyn Lab Tests
- + Pregnancy Tumor
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- Pregnancy Tumor
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Benign, inflammatory growths may develop in the mouth, especially near the upper gumline, during pregnancy. While these may bleed easily, they usually disappear without treatment. Proper dental hygiene may prevent them.
More Information on Pregnancy Tumor: Oral Infections
- + Pregnant
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- Pregnant
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The condition of carrying a developing fetus in the uterus. Normal term is about 280 days. Involves many biological as well as familial, behavioral and socioeconomic changes.
More Information on Pregnant: Pregnancy Basics
- + Pregnant Heart Patients
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- Pregnant Heart Patients
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While all women are strongly encouraged to seek prenatal medical care as soon as possible, women who have heart-related conditions are especially urged to seek out a physician and other health care providers as soon as they decide to have a child.
More Information on Pregnant Heart Patients: Women's Heart
- + Prehypertension
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- Prehypertension
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A term that refers to blood pressure levels between 120-139/80-89. Prehypertensive patients are typically not prescribed medication, but are advised to adopt lifestyle modifications to help keep blood pressure from rising (hypertension).
More Information on Prehypertension: Blood Pressure
- + Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
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- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
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Also Known As: "PGD"
A genetic test performed on an embryo in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization to detect any genetic problems. Several embryos are tested and those without detectable genetic disease are chosen for implantation.
More Information on Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: Fertility Issues
- + Preleukemia
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- Preleukemia
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"Preleukemia" is more commonly referred to as "Myelodysplastic Syndromes" in the medical community.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Also Known As: "Smoldering Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Disorders"
A condition in which the bone marrow does not function normally and can not produce enough blood cells.
More Information on Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
- + Premalignant
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- Premalignant
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A term used to describe cell changes that are not cancerous, but may become so in the future. Not all precancerous tissue becomes cancerous.
More Information on Premalignant: Cancer Basics
- + Premature Atrial Beats
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- Premature Atrial Beats
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Also Known As: "PAB, Atrial Extrasystoles, PAC, Atrial Ectopics, Premature Supraventricular Contractions"
A harmless irregular heart rhythm that does not need to be treated. It is often due to stress or excessive use of substances such as caffeine. It occurs when one of the heart's upper chambers contracts prematurely in the heartbeat cycle.
More Information on Premature Atrial Beats: Arrhythmia
- + Premature Atrial Contractions
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- Premature Atrial Contractions
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Also Known As: "PAB, Atrial Extrasystoles, PAC, Premature Supraventricular Contractions, Premature Atrial Beats, Atrial Ectopics"
A harmless irregular heart rhythm that does not need to be treated. It is often due to stress or excessive use of substances such as caffeine. It occurs when one of the heart's upper chambers contracts prematurely in the heartbeat cycle.
More Information on Premature Atrial Contractions: Arrhythmia
- + Premature Babies
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- Premature Babies
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Also Known As: "Preemies, Prematurity"
Birth of an infant before the 37th week of gestation. It is the leading cause of death in newborns. Infants born before full term face many challenges, including respiratory problems, infections, blood disorders and developmental disabilities.
More Information on Premature Babies: Pregnancy Basics
- + Premature Beats
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- Premature Beats
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"Premature Beats" is more commonly referred to as "Extrasystoles" in the medical community.
Extrasystoles
Also Known As: "Ectopics, Premature Contractions"
Heart beats caused by electrical pacing signals that do not originate in the sinus node (the heart's natural pacemaker). They may originate in the atria (PACs), ventricles (PVSs) or the AV junction (PJCs).
More Information on Extrasystoles: Arrhythmia
- + Premature Birth
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- Premature Birth
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Also Known As: "Prematurity, Premature Babies, Preemies"
Birth of an infant before the 37th week of gestation. It is the leading cause of death in newborns. Infants born before full term face many challenges, including respiratory problems, infections, blood disorders and developmental disabilities.
More Information on Premature Birth: Pregnancy Basics
- + Premature Contractions
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- Premature Contractions
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"Premature Contractions" is more commonly referred to as "Extrasystoles" in the medical community.
Extrasystoles
Also Known As: "Ectopics, Premature Beats"
Heart beats caused by electrical pacing signals that do not originate in the sinus node (the heart's natural pacemaker). They may originate in the atria (PACs), ventricles (PVSs) or the AV junction (PJCs).
More Information on Extrasystoles: Arrhythmia
- + Premature Ejaculation
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- Premature Ejaculation
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"Premature Ejaculation" is more commonly referred to as "Orgasmic Disorders" in the medical community.
Orgasmic Disorders
Also Known As: "Female Orgasmic Disorder, Male Orgasmic Disorder"
Conditions in which sexual climax is either absent or delayed despite sufficiently long and intense sexual stimulation. The source of the problem can be physical or psychological, or a combination. Women are more often affected.
More Information on Orgasmic Disorders: Emotional Health Basics
- + Premature Junctional Complexes
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- Premature Junctional Complexes
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Also Known As: "Junctional Premature Beats, Junctional Extrasystoles, PJC, Junctional Ectopics, Premature Junctional Rhythms"
A heartbeat that occurs when the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) are told to pump by a signal that came from the AV junction rather than the sinoatrial node, the heart's natural pacemaker.
More Information on Premature Junctional Complexes: Arrhythmia
- + Premature Junctional Contractions
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- Premature Junctional Contractions
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Also Known As: "Premature Junctional Complexes, Junctional Premature Beats, Junctional Extrasystoles, PJC, Junctional Ectopics, Premature Junctional Rhythms"
A heartbeat that occurs when the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) are told to pump by a signal that came from the AV junction rather than the sinoatrial node, the heart's natural pacemaker.
More Information on Premature Junctional Contractions: Arrhythmia
- + Premature Junctional Rhythms
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- Premature Junctional Rhythms
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Also Known As: "Junctional Premature Beats, Junctional Extrasystoles, PJC, Junctional Ectopics, Premature Junctional Complexes"
A heartbeat that occurs when the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) are told to pump by a signal that came from the AV junction rather than the sinoatrial node, the heart's natural pacemaker.
More Information on Premature Junctional Rhythms: Arrhythmia
- + Premature Labor
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- Premature Labor
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Also Known As: "Preterm Labor, PTL"
Labor that begins before the 37th week of gestation.
More Information on Premature Labor: Pregnancy Basics
- + Premature Menopause
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- Premature Menopause
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Also Known As: "POF, 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 Menopause: Uterine & Ovarian Health
- + Premature Ovarian Failure
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- Premature Ovarian Failure
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Also Known As: "Premature Menopause, POF, 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
- + Premature Rupture of Membranes
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- Premature Rupture of Membranes
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Also Known As: "PROM"
Rupture of the fetal membranes before labor. It is the number one cause of admission to a neonatal intensive care unit.
More Information on Premature Rupture of Membranes: Pregnancy Basics
- + Premature Supraventricular Contractions
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- Premature Supraventricular Contractions
-
Also Known As: "PAB, Atrial Extrasystoles, PAC, Premature Atrial Beats, Atrial Ectopics"
A harmless irregular heart rhythm that does not need to be treated. It is often due to stress or excessive use of substances such as caffeine. It occurs when one of the heart's upper chambers contracts prematurely in the heartbeat cycle.
More Information on Premature Supraventricular Contractions: Arrhythmia
- + Premature Ventricular Complex
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- Premature Ventricular Complex
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Also Known As: "Ventricular Extrasystoles, Ventricular Ectopics, PVC, Benign Ventricular Ectopics"
An abnormal heartbeat that occurs when the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) are told to pump too soon by a signal that came from an area other than the sinus node (the heart's natural pacemaker). This could happen once or several times in a row.
More Information on Premature Ventricular Complex: Arrhythmia
- + Premature Ventricular Contractions
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- Premature Ventricular Contractions
-
Also Known As: "Ventricular Extrasystoles, Premature Ventricular Complex, Ventricular Ectopics, PVC, Benign Ventricular Ectopics"
An abnormal heartbeat that occurs when the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) are told to pump too soon by a signal that came from an area other than the sinus node (the heart's natural pacemaker). This could happen once or several times in a row.
More Information on Premature Ventricular Contractions: Arrhythmia
- + Prematurity
-
- Prematurity
-
Also Known As: "Premature Babies, Preemies"
Birth of an infant before the 37th week of gestation. It is the leading cause of death in newborns. Infants born before full term face many challenges, including respiratory problems, infections, blood disorders and developmental disabilities.
More Information on Prematurity: Pregnancy Basics
- + Premedication
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- Premedication
-
Taking medications, such as antibiotics, before dental procedures. This is important for people at high risk of infection, including those with certain heart problems.
More Information on Premedication: Oral Medications
- + Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
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- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
-
Also Known As: "PMDD"
An extreme variation of premenstrual syndrome that involves severe physical, emotional and quality-of-life problems. Estimated to occur in up to 10 percent of women.
More Information on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Menstruation
- + Premenstrual Syndrome
-
- Premenstrual Syndrome
-
Also Known As: "PMS, Premenstrual Tension Syndrome"
Irritability, mood changes, breast tenderness, water retention and other symptoms starting several days before and usually ending shortly after onset of menstruation.
More Information on Premenstrual Syndrome: Menstruation
- + Premenstrual Tension Syndrome
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- Premenstrual Tension Syndrome
-
Also Known As: "PMS"
Irritability, mood changes, breast tenderness, water retention and other symptoms starting several days before and usually ending shortly after onset of menstruation.
More Information on Premenstrual Tension Syndrome: Menstruation
- + Premolars
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- Premolars
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"Premolars" is more commonly referred to as "Bicuspids" in the medical community.
Bicuspids
The teeth located between the canines and molars. They have two cusps for piercing and ripping and a broader, flatter surface for chewing and grinding.
More Information on Bicuspids: Oral Health Basics
- + Prenatal
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- Prenatal
-
Also Known As: "Antenatal"
Referring to the period of time before an infant is born, at any point during pregnancy.
More Information on Prenatal: Pregnancy Management
- + Prenatal Care
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- Prenatal Care
-
Regular health care for the woman and fetus during pregnancy. Includes assessments of blood pressure, weight, changes in the uterus and condition of the fetus, instruction in nutrition and infant care, and preparation for delivery.
More Information on Prenatal Care: Pregnancy Management
- + Prenatal Development
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- Prenatal Development
-
Also Known As: "Fetal Development"
A fetus grows quickly during the months of pregnancy from an embryo to a fully formed infant capable of survival outside the womb.
More Information on Prenatal Development: Growth & Development
- + Prenatal Diagnosis
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- Prenatal Diagnosis
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