Dictionary

paracetamol See acetaminophen.

paraffin dip A treatment for the symptoms of joint and muscle conditions, such as arthritis, that involves applying melted mineral wax derived from petroleum to a body area. Paraffin dips can be especially helpful in relieving the pain and stiffness of arthritis involving the small joints of the hands. The hands are repeatedly dipped into…

paragonimiasis Infection with the trematode (parasitic worm) Paragonimus, most commonly with Paragonimus westermani, the oriental lung fluke. Human infection with P. westermani occurs by eating inadequately cooked or pickled crab or crayfish that harbor the parasite. The parasites penetrate through the intestinal wall into the peritoneal cavity, then through the abdominal wall and diaphragm into…

parainfluenza A disease due to an acute respiratory infection caused by a parainfluenza virus. Parainfluenza usually occurs in children. The clinical picture can range from a relatively mild influenza-like illness to bronchitis, croup, and pneumonia.

paralysis Loss of voluntary movement (motor function). Paralysis that affects only one muscle or limb is partial paralysis, also known as palsy; paralysis of all muscles is total paralysis, as may occur in cases of botulism.

paralysis, infantile See polio.

paralysis, laryngeal nerve See laryngeal palsy.

paludism See malaria.

panacea A universal remedy, a cure-all. The ancients sought—but never found—a panacea that would cure all disease.

pancolitis See colitis, ulcerative.

pancreas A spongy, tube-shaped organ that is about 6 inches long and is located in the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The head of the pancreas is on the right side of the abdomen. It is connected to the upper end of the small intestine. The narrow end of the pancreas, called the…

pancreas, annular An abnormal ring of pancreatic tissue that encircles the duodenum and often causes intestinal obstruction.