What Is Pleurisy?

Pleurisyalso called pleuritisrefers to inflammation of the pleura, the membrane that covers your lungs and chest cavity. The main symptom of pleurisy is sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or when coughing. This thin layer of fluid reduces friction on the lungs when you breathe in and out. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin The parietal pleura (not the visceral) is innervated by nerves. That’s why pain arises when it becomes irritated and inflamed....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 318 words · Amanda Howell

What Is Pneumocystis Pneumonia?

PCP is due to a tiny fungus calledPneumocystis jiroveciithat is common in the environment. Pneumocystis pneumonia has a long recorded history, going as far back as 1909. In the 1980s, PCP became the leading cause of death in people with AIDS. Johner Images / Getty Images Johner Images / Getty Images Most humans are exposed to thePneumocystis jiroveciifungus in childhood. In healthy children, it often develops along with common cold symptoms and doesnt turn into anything severe....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 474 words · Richard Gross

What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumoniais a lung infection brought on by viral, bacterial, or fungal germs. It ranges in severity from mild to life-threatening, especially for individuals in higher-risk populations. Different types of pneumonia are categorized by how the infection was acquired or its severity. Boris Zhitkov / Getty Images Boris Zhitkov / Getty Images What Is Pneumonia? Pneumonia is alung infectionthat can affect one or both lungs. This infection can affect individuals differently, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening and requiring immediate medical attention....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 556 words · James Alvarez

What Is Polio?

The disease is because of a virus called the poliovirus. History of Polio Historically, there was no vaccine to prevent polio. Between the years of 1937 and 1997, over 400,000 Americans are said to have contracted polio. Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee Thankfully, the 1950s also brought about the approval of the polio vaccination for use in the public. In 1955 the vaccine, developed by a man named Jonas Salk, was launched....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 311 words · Susan Mercado

What Is Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy?

This increase in blood pressure in the portal vein is known asportal hypertension. It is commonly caused bycirrhosis(scarring of the liver). PHG can cause changes to the entire gastrointestinal tract and lead to internal bleeding. Verywell / Shideh Ghandeharizadeh This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment for portal hypertensive gastropathy. Portal hypertension is commonly resulting from liver disease. Portal Hypertension Without Liver Disease In some cases, portal hypertension can occur without liver disease....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 251 words · Laura Curtis

What Is Post-Birth Control Syndrome?

Post-birth control syndrome is not a formal medical diagnosis. Verywell / Jessica Olah What Is Post-Birth Control Syndrome? Hormonal contraceptives have human-madeprogesteroneand/orestrogen(synthetic hormones) in them to prevent pregnancy. Verywell / Jessica Olah But with that, hormonal contraceptives also stop the bodys natural production of these hormones. It can take some time for the body to rebalance hormone levels after someone stops taking birth control. Why Is There Controversy? However, it takes time for the menstrual cycle to readjust and get back on a regular schedule....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 319 words · Annette Walker

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

The diagnosis of PCS is often tricky and should be made by an experienced healthcare professional. Once diagnosed, treatment is focused on managing symptoms. In most cases, these symptoms ease within a couple of weeks. Verywell / Ellen Lindner Some patients also exhibit symptoms ofvestibular migraine. Its not clear why some people develop PCS after a concussion and others do not. Experts suspect the answer likely stems from a combination of physical and psychological factors....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 155 words · Toni Caldwell

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Events that can lead to PTSD include a natural disaster, accident, combat, or sexual violence. What Is PTSD? PTSD is not a sign of weakness but a mental health condition that can be diagnosed and treated. Theresa Chiechi / Verywell With the help of a mental health professional, you or your loved one can begin to heal. Dissociative PTSD: In dissociative PTSD, individuals might experiencedissociation, which includes depersonalization and/or derealization....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 393 words · Jerry Price

What Is Posterior Vitreous Detachment?

Posterior vitreous detachment(PVD) shows up when the vitreousa gel-like fluid in the eyedetaches from theretina. This results in eye floaters and flashes of light that can be annoying but is usually harmless. A common age-related eye condition, PVD is not painful and does not cause vision loss on its own. Verywell / Nez Riaz However, it can lead to more serious complications that will need to be monitored by an ophthalmologist....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 683 words · Ashley Colon

What Is Postmenopausal Osteoporosis?

Fortunately, there are ways to help manage postmenopausal osteoporosis and prevent further bone loss from happening. This article provides an overview of postmenopausal osteoporosis, offering tips on treatment options and coping with the condition. AND-ONE / Getty Images Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Symptoms The symptoms of postmenopausal osteoporosis usually aren’t obvious. AND-ONE / Getty Images In postmenopausal osteoporosis, this bone loss is due to extremely low estrogen levels. Plus, in general, women have a greater risk ofdeveloping osteoporosisthan men....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 230 words · Melissa Choi

What Is Prediabetes?

Around 96 million American adults have prediabetes. Mostroughly 80%aren’t aware they have the condition. Prediabetes does not typically cause symptoms. Verywell / Ellen Lindner It is still a concern, however, because it is a precursor totype 2 diabetes. This article discusses prediabetes, its symptoms, causes, and diagnosis. It usually affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. The condition tends to be silent. It rarely causes noticeable symptoms. Most people who are diagnosed with prediabetes don’t know exactly when it began....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 611 words · Wendy Cook

What Is Pregnancy Nausea?

Pregnancy nausea and vomiting, also known asmorning sickness, are very common. In most people, symptoms subside a few months into the pregnancy, but some people have nausea throughout. Experiencingnauseaduring pregnancy is normal. LumiNola / Getty Images And while it can make you uncomfortable, its not usually a cause for concern. However, its possible to experience severe nausea and vomiting, which can cause complications. LumiNola / Getty Images When Does It Start?...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 440 words · Michael Simpson

What Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?

Between 1.3% and 5.3% of menstruating people meet the rigorous diagnostic criteria for PMDD. This article will discuss PMDD symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, self-care options, and medical treatment. In contrast, PMDD affects fewer people but causes more physical and mental symptoms, often requiring medication management. grinvalds / Getty Images PMDD is classified as a mood disorder, whereas PMS is not. Why Do Some People Experience PMDD? The exact cause of PMDD is unknown....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 228 words · Brandi Todd