Category: P

A virus which causes upper respiratory tract infection. In its structure it is identical to paramyxoviruses and the measles virus.  

A type of strong stretcher to which the injured person is attached securely, so that he or she can be carried upright. It is used for rescuing people from mountains or from tall buildings.  

The writing of different words or letters from the ones intended, as a result of a stroke or disease. A disorder of writing, involving the omission or transposition of letters or of whole words. The appearance of this in adult life is usually due to damage to the brain. In childhood it usually reflects a…

A tropical disease in which the lungs are infested with the fluke of the genus Paragonimus and the person has bronchitis and coughs up blood. A tropical disease, occurring principally in the Far East, caused by the presence of the fluke Paragonimus westermani in the lungs. The infection is acquired by eating inadequately cooked shellfish,…

Gauze covered with solid paraffin, used as a dressing.  

An unexplained tingling sensation. A term applied to unusual feelings, apart from mere increase or loss of sensation, experienced without any obvious external cause: for example, hot flushes, numbness, tingling, itching. Various paraesthesiae form a common symptom in some nervous diseases.  

A condition affecting someone with broken ribs, where the chest appears to move in when he or she breathes in, and appears to move out when he or she breathes out. Acute respiratory distress in which the chest falls and the abdomen rises on inspiration. Breathing movements seen in patients with broken ribs: on inhalation…

A disorder of hearing.  

A common drug used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. An analgesic drug that also reduces fever. It is used to treat mild or moderate pain, such as headache, toothache, and rheumatism. It is administered by mouth and may cause digestive upsets; over-dosage causes liver damage. A non-opioid analgesic similar in efficacy…

A condition in which two individuals are joined, e.g. conjoined twins. The circulatory system of one animal is joined with that of another animal. The two animals must be very closely related in order for both to survive. The joining together of two individuals. It may occur congenitally as with conjoined twins or may be…