Dictionary

pancreatic juice Fluids made by the pancreas that contain digestive enzymes.

pancreatitis Inflammation of the pancreas. Of the many causes of pancreatitis, the most common are alcohol consumption and gallstones. Other causes include medications (azathioprine, estrogen, thiazides, metronidazole, valproic acid, and tetracycline), trauma, abdominal surgery, abnormalities of the pancreas and intestine, and infections such as mumps. Acute pancreatitis usually begins with pain in the upper abdomen…

pancytopenia A shortage of all types of blood cells. Pancytopenia can be caused by a side effect of many medications (such as azathioprine, methotrexate, and others) or diseases (such as lupus and bone marrow disorders). Treatment is directed toward the underlying cause and may be supplemented by medications that stimulate the bone marrow.

pancytopenia, Fanconi See anemia, Fanconi.

PANDAS Pediatric autoimmune disorders associated with streptococcus, the sudden onset of symptoms such as those of obsessive-compulsive disorder or Tourette’s syndrome following infection with streptococcus bacteria. PANDAS is caused by an autoimmune reaction that affects the basal ganglia in the brain. Diagnosis is primarily made through observation. Treatment involves cognitive behavioral therapy and medication for…

pandemic 1 An epidemic of disease that is very widespread, affecting a whole region, a continent, or the world. 2 Widely epidemic. For example, AIDS is currently pandemic in Africa.

pandiculation The act of stretching and yawning.

panic A sudden strong feeling of fear that prevents reasonable thought or action. The word comes from the name of the Greek woodland god Pan, who was a frightening figure—part human, part goat—and whose pet caprice was to terrify people who ventured into rural areas.

panic attack A sudden attack of fear or panic, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, tingling, and anxiety. Hyperventilation, agitation, and withdrawal are common results. See also panic disorder.

panic disorder An anxiety disorder that is characterized by sudden attacks of fear and panic. Panic attacks may occur without a known reason, but more frequently they are triggered by fear-producing events or thoughts, such as taking an elevator or driving. Symptoms of panic attacks include rapid heartbeat, strange chest sensations, shortness of breath, dizziness,…

panniculectomy A surgical procedure that removes excess, loose skin and fat from the lower abdomen, typically performed after massive weight loss. It may be performed in conjunction with other abdominal surgeries. A panniculectomy is one type of body-contouring surgery.

panniculitis The inflammation of fatty tissue beneath the skin. It is associated with a number of different medical conditions. Some cases are associated with an inflammation of the blood vessels and/or connective tissue.