An element that is one of the main ions, or charged atoms, of intracellular fluid, and is also important in nerve and muscle function.
potassium
pouch of Douglas
A small extension of the peritoneal cavity, which lies between the uterus and the rectum.
PPD
An abbreviation for the purified protein derivative skin test, which is a method used to diagnose tuberculosis.
PR
per rectum
Prader-Willi syndrome
A rare genetic disorder.
pre (precursor) B cell
A type of lymphocyte, a white blood cell that fights infection.
pre (precursor) T cell
A type of lymphocyte, a white blood cell that fights infection.
pre-cancerous cells
Cells that may become cancerous over time.
pre-eclampsia
A condition of pregnancy associated with high blood pressure and protein in the urine (proteinuria).
pre-malignant
A lesion, condition or syndrome that if left untreated may develop into cancer.
pre-menstrual tension
The combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occurs in many women in the week or so before menstruation.
preclinical
A term that may be used to describe a period in the disease process before symptoms appear, or a study conducted in animals.
pregnancy
the period from conception to birth
Premature labour
labour occuring before 37 weeks of pregnancy
premenstrual syndrome
The combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in many women in the week or so before menstruation.
presbyacusis
Progressive loss of hearing that occurs with age.
pretibial myxoedema
A rare complication of Grave's disease that causes a swollen or lumpy appearance over the shins and sometimes the feet. The skin may be discoloured pink or purple.
prickly heat
An irritating skin rash that is associated with profuse sweating. Multiple, tiny, red spots cover the affected area of skin and are accompanied by a tingling sensation.
PRIST
paper radioimmunosorbent disc test
probiotics
Dietary supplements containing bacteria believed to be necessary for proper gut function.
proctalgia fugax
Fleeting rectal pain that comes on suddenly, lasts for a short time (seconds or minutes) and then goes away. It is believed to be due to spasm of the anal sphincter and is very common and harmless.
proctitis
Inflammation of the lower part of the rectum.
proctocolectomy
Surgical removal of the rectum and colon.
proctoscopy
A type of endoscopy involving examination of the rectum through an instrument called a proctoscope.