Health A to Z

Pemphigus vulgaris

An autoimmune blistering disease that usually starts in the mouth. Before steroids it was almost always fatal; now it is treatable, and often diagnosed late.

Peptic ulcer

Also called Stomach ulcer, Duodenal ulcer, Helicobacter pylori

Not caused by stress or spicy food. Two things cause almost all of them, and one is a bacterium that can be cured in a week.

Perforated eardrum

Also called Ruptured eardrum, Burst eardrum

A hole in the eardrum, usually from infection or injury. Most heal by themselves; the rule while it does is keep the ear dry.

Pericarditis

Chest pain that is worse lying down and better sitting forward. Usually not a heart attack, and it still needs an ECG.

Peripheral arterial disease

Also called PAD, Peripheral vascular disease, Intermittent claudication

Narrowed leg arteries. The cramping calf pain is the mild part; what it really signals is a high risk of heart attack and stroke.

Peripheral neuropathy

Also called Nerve damage, Diabetic neuropathy

Damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Numb feet are more dangerous than painful ones.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the lining of the abdomen. A rigid, board-like abdomen with severe pain is a 999 call.

Persistent physical symptoms

Also called Medically unexplained symptoms, Functional disorders, Somatic symptom disorder

Real symptoms without a structural explanation. Not imaginary, not a diagnosis of exclusion done badly, and treatable.

Phlebitis

Also called Superficial thrombophlebitis, Inflamed vein

An inflamed vein just under the skin. Usually settles, and it is not always as harmless as the reassurance suggests.

Physiotherapy

Also called Physio, Physiotherapist

The profession most often recommended in this library and least often explained. In most of the UK you can refer yourself, without seeing a GP first.