Medical Conditions

Otitis media is a middle ear infection that is most common in infants and young children under 4 years of age. By the age of one year, most children will have …

The ear is divided into 3 separate compartments: the inner, middle, and outer ear. The inner ear contains the balance organs and the nerves vital to hearing. The …

In Canada, an estimated 3,000 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. More Canadians die from ovarian cancer than all other gynecologic cancers …

A person who has been diagnosed with the medical condition known as overactive bladder, or OAB, has sudden urges to empty their bladder. In fact, most people with …

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 …

The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that makes digestive juices, insulin, and other hormones. The digestive juices flow through ducts into the intestine. Most …

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. People with this condition may become anxious to the extent that their feelings interfere with daily life. While …

Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressing disease of the nervous system that causes people to lose control over their muscles. Individuals above the age of 50 …

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the most serious complication of sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also known by the older name of sexually transmitted …

A peptic ulcer is an erosion or sore in the lining of the stomach or intestine that occurs when the protective mucus layer wears away in certain areas, allowing …

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition involving clogging of the arteries around the body, most commonly in the legs. PAD occurs more frequently as …

The blood that circulates throughout the body performs a number of critical functions. It delivers oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, and carries life-sustaining …

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 are fears sparked by certain situations that can interfere with a person's coping abilities or lead them to stay away altogether. These situations are not …

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 causes an …

The placenta is a bed of cells formed inside the uterus (womb) during pregnancy. The purpose of the placenta is to carry nourishment and oxygen from the parent to …

To find out where this condition gets its name, we need to look at a specific area of the foot. Your foot is made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The …

The lungs are surrounded by a special lining called the pleura. This lining includes the tissue inside the chest wall and tissue that surrounds the lungs. It …

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that is usually caused by infection. Pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling irritants such as vomit, liquids, or …

Poison ivy is a common wild plant that causes an extremely irritating allergic reaction when you touch it or brush against it. Exposure to it may result in …

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 (PKD) is a genetic condition in which multiple fluid-filled sacs or cysts develop throughout the kidneys. These cysts vary in size and …

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not a disease in the usual sense; rather, it is a collection of symptoms that can affect a person's reproductive health and …

The word polycythemia simply means "many cells in the blood." There are two forms of this disease: polycythemia vera and secondary …

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 may be a symptom of another …

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 woman has had a baby, …

Preeclampsia is a condition that some people experience during pregnancy. Preeclampsia occurs after week 20 of pregnancy and is characterized by an increase in …

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition familiar to many people who menstruate. It is estimated to affect up to 80% of menstruating people. Also known …

Prostate cancer is the most often diagnosed cancer in Canadian men, aside from skin cancers. It ranks third as a cause of cancer death in Canadian men aged 65 and …

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 …