Pneumonitis (noo-MOHN-eye-tus) is general inflammation in your lungs that can affect how well you breathe and cause other bodily symptoms. It occurs when a foreign substance (irritant) inflames the small air sacs in your lungs (alveoli). There are different types of pneumonitis inflammation. They include: Acute. Inflammation develops suddenly and only lasts a little while. Subacute. Inflammation progresses gradually and …
Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Pneumonia causes your lung tissue to swell (inflammation) and can cause fluid or pus in your lungs. Bacterial pneumonia is usually more severe than viral pneumonia, which often resolves on its own. Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs. Pneumonia in both of your lungs is called …
Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a progressive neuromuscular (nerves and muscles) condition that causes worsening muscle weakness and/or stiffness. Symptoms usually begin in your legs. Over time, weakness and stiffness spread to other muscles throughout your body. Because there’s no cure for PLS, treatment focuses on managing your symptoms and providing mobility support like using a cane or a walker. How common is …
Pleurisy (“PLUR-uh-see”) happens when the lining (tissue layer) around your lungs or the lining on the inside wall of your chest swells up. This makes the two layers rub against each other, causing sharp pains. Pleurisy is also called pleuritis. Your lungs and the inside of your chest are each lined with a thin layer called pleura. The space between …
Placental abruption (abruptio placentae) is a pregnancy complication that happens when the placenta separates from your uterus before delivery. The placenta is a temporary organ that connects a growing fetus to your uterus during pregnancy. It attaches to the wall of your uterus, usually on the top or side, and acts as a lifeline that gives nutrients and oxygen to the fetus through the umbilical …
Placenta previa is a condition when the placenta blocks all or part of your cervix in the last months of pregnancy. The placenta develops in your uterus during pregnancy. It’s a sac-like organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus through the umbilical cord. The placenta stretches and grows through pregnancy. It’s common for it to be low in your uterus …
Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta (the food and oxygen source for a fetus) grows too deeply into the wall of your uterus. In a typical pregnancy, the placenta easily detaches from the wall of your uterus after your baby is born. In placenta accreta, the placenta has grown into your uterine wall and doesn’t separate easily following delivery. In severe cases, …
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) causes cysts (fluid-filled growths) to develop in your kidneys. PKD is a genetic disorder, meaning you have to have a mutated (changed) gene to get it. PKD isn’t the same as kidney cysts, which are usually harmless. Cysts from PKD can enlarge your kidneys and prevent them from filtering waste out of your blood. In severe cases, the …
Pityriasis rosea (pih-tuh-RY-uh-sis ROH-zee-uh) is a common skin condition that causes patches of your skin to develop raised, scaly rashes. It may appear on any part of your body, but it usually appears on the trunk (torso), arms and legs. “Pityriasis” means “scaly,” and “rosea” means “pink,” but the rashes may look red, gray, brown or purple. Pityriasis rosea is …
Pituitary tumors are unusual growths that develop in the pituitary gland. This gland is an organ about the size of a pea. It’s located behind the nose at the base of the brain. Some of these tumors cause the pituitary gland to make too much of certain hormones that control important body functions. Others can cause the pituitary gland to …