Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Parathyroid
The grouping of four small glands, about 5 mm in diameter, which lie to the side of and behind the thyroid gland. These glands regulate the metabolism of calcium and of phosphorus. If for any reason there is a deficiency of the secretion of the parathyroid glands, the amount of calcium in the blood falls…
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Paracetamol poisoning
Paracetamol is one of the safest drugs when taken in the correct dosage, but overdose may occur inadvertently or deliberately. Initially there may be no symptomis or there may be nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and pallor. Then, 16-24 hours after ingestion, liver damage becomes evident and by 72—120 hours the patient may have jaundice, coagulation…
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Malformations of palate
The commonest deformity of the palate is cleft palate, which is a result of faulty embryonic development in which the two sides of the newly-forming palate fail to fuse or only fuse in part. If the cleft extends the full length with bilateral clefts at the front of the maxilla, it may be accompanied by…
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Paget’s disease of the nipple
An eczema-like rash over the nipple. Its importance is that in 90 per cent of cases there is an underlying breast cancer. An uncommon form of breast cancer originates in the nipple, presenting symptoms similar to eczema, including itching and a burning sensation. This condition might also lead to a persistent sore. Without intervention, the…
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Paget’s disease of bone
Paget’s Disease of Bone, or osteitis deformans, is a chronic disease in which the bones especially those of the skull, limbs, and spine gradually become thick and also soft, causing them to bend. It is said to be the most common form of bone disease in the world, and an estimated 600,000 people in England…
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Paedophilia
A perverse sexual attraction to children of either sex. Paedophiles are nearly always male and may have heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual orientation. A continuous sexual attraction towards children, which can sometimes lead to their abuse. Paedophilia is more commonly observed in men. It’s believed to be influenced by a mix of psychological and societal factors…
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Ozaena
A chronic disease of the nose of an inflammatory nature, combined with atrophy of the mucous membrane and the formation of extremely foul-smelling crusts in the interior of the nose.
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Oxaliplatin
A platinum-based anticancer drug given intravenously for the treatment of colorectal cancer with metastases. It is usually combined with fluorouracil and folinic acid. Side-effects include toxic damage to the nervous system.
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Diseases of ovaries
Oophoritis (infection of the ovaries) rarely occurs alone, except in viral infections such as mumps. Usually it is associated with infection of the fallopian tubes. It may occur as a complication of a miscarriage, a therapeutic abortion, or the birth of a baby. Cases not associated with pregnancy typically result from sexual activity: the most…
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Otic barotrauma
Also called aerotitis, this is blockage of the eustachian tubes between the middle ear and the pharynx as a result of rapidly changing external air pressure, such as occurs during descent of an aircraft. valsalvas manoeuvre pinching the nose with finger and thumb and attempting to blow hard through the nose will usually relieve the…
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