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 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

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

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

To find out where this condition gets its name, we need to look at a specific area of the foot. Your foot is made

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 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 is a common wild plant that causes an extremely irritating allergic reaction when you touch it or brush against it. Exposure to

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

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

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 happens when mucus builds up in the back of the nose and throat. Post-nasal drip is not a medical condition, but it

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 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 (PMS) is a condition familiar to many women. It is estimated to affect between 20% and 50% of women of reproductive age.

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 is a non-contagious skin disease that affects almost 10 million people across North America. About 1 million people are living with psoriasis in

About 1% to 3% of the Canadian population suffers from the chronic skin condition called psoriasis. This condition is more common among Caucasian people

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”

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 describes a condition in newborn babies. Specifically, pyloric stenosis occurs when the muscle (pyloric muscle or pylorus) that allows food to move