Search Medical Conditions
The medical conditions database is designed to help you and your loved ones learn about the cause, prevention, symptoms, and treatment of medical conditions to better understand various conditions.
Paget’s Disease
Paget’s disease, also called osteitis deformans, is a chronic bone disorder in which there is abnormal bone remodelling (the process of bone breakdown and
Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that makes digestive juices, insulin, and other hormones. The digestive juices flow through ducts into the
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. People with this condition may become anxious to the extent that their feelings interfere with daily
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a slowly progressing disease of the nervous system that causes people to lose control over their muscles. About 1 in 250
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the most serious complication of sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also known by the older name of sexually transmitted diseases
Peptic Ulcer Disease
A peptic ulcer is an erosion or sore in the lining of the stomach or intestine that occurs when the protective mucus layer wears
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition involving clogging of the arteries around the body, most commonly in the legs. PAD occurs more frequently
Pernicious Anemia
The blood that circulates throughout the body performs a number of critical functions. It delivers oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, and carries life-sustaining nutrients. By
Phlebitis
Phlebitis means inflammation of a vein. Superficial phlebitis (also called superficial thrombophlebitis), is a condition where the veins close to the surface of the
Phobias
Phobias are fears sparked by certain situations that can interfere with a person’s coping abilities or lead them to stay away altogether. These situations
Pinworms
The pinworm, or Enterobius vermicularis, is a small parasitic worm that can live inside the human lower intestine. Only 3 mm to 10 mm long, it
Placenta Previa
The placenta is a bed of cells formed inside the uterus (womb) during pregnancy. The purpose of the placenta is to carry nourishment and
Plantar Fasciitis
To find out where this condition gets its name, we need to look at a specific area of the foot. Your foot is made
Pleurisy
The lungs are surrounded by a special lining called the pleura. This lining includes the tissue inside the chest wall and tissue that surrounds
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that is usually caused by infection. Pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling irritants such as vomit,
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is a common wild plant that causes an extremely irritating allergic reaction when you touch it or brush against it. Exposure to
Polio
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause paralysis. Most of the world’s countries are free from polio,
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic condition in which multiple fluid-filled sacs or cysts develop throughout the kidneys. These cysts vary in size
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not a disease in the usual sense; rather, it is a collection of symptoms that can affect a woman’s
Polycythemia
The word polycythemia simply means “many cells in the blood.” There are two forms of this disease: polycythemia vera and secondary polycythemia. Polycythemia vera
Post-nasal Drip
Post-nasal drip happens when mucus builds up in the back of the nose and throat. Post-nasal drip is not a medical condition, but it
Postpartum Depression
Having a baby is one of life’s most wonderful experiences. It’s exciting and joyous, but it can also be exhausting and frightening. After a
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition that some women experience during pregnancy. Preeclampsia occurs after week 20 of pregnancy and is characterized by an increase in
Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition familiar to many women. It is estimated to affect between 20% and 50% of women of reproductive age.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most often diagnosed cancer in Canadian men, aside from skin cancers. It ranks third as a cause of cancer death
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease that affects almost 10 million people across North America. About 1 million people are living with psoriasis in
Psoriatic Arthritis
About 1% to 3% of the Canadian population suffers from the chronic skin condition called psoriasis. This condition is more common among Caucasian people
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a new name for a very old condition. In the earlier 1900s, it was known as “shell shock”
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Fibrosis refers to scar tissue that has replaced healthy tissue. This is what happens in the lungs of people with pulmonary fibrosis. Inflammation (swelling)
Pyloric Stenosis
Pyloric stenosis describes a condition in newborn babies. Specifically, pyloric stenosis occurs when the muscle (pyloric muscle or pylorus) that allows food to move
All material © 1996-2019 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.