What Is Peripheral Spondyloarthritis?

Spondyloarthritisis a group of inflammatory arthritis that is broken down into two subcategories:axial spondyloarthritisand peripheral spondyloarthritis. Symptoms ofaxial spondyloarthritisaffect the spine andsacroiliac (pelvic) joints. This article will cover peripheral spondyloarthritis symptoms, causes, and treatments. Science Photo Library / Getty Images It will also discuss coping with the condition and outlook after diagnosis. People with peripheral spondyloarthritis have arthritis symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area. Their symptoms will vary based on the severity of the condition and the affected regions....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 379 words · David Smith

What Is Pernicious Anemia?

One Cause of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition in which the body cant absorbvitamin B12correctly. This leads to symptoms fromanemia(a reduced number of functioning red blood cells) and other problems. The word pernicious means gradually harmful and damaging. Ellen Lindner / Verywell Historically, before we understood its role and had vitamin B12 treatments available, it was often fatal. Pernicious anemia is also sometimes referred to as autoimmune gastritis or Biermers disease....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 563 words · Todd Mitchell

What Is Phantom Pregnancy?

Phantom pregnancy is a rare disorder. TheDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Phantom pregnancy is especially rare in developed countries where people seekprenatal careearly. Satoshi-K / Getty Images The symptoms may last a few weeks or for as long as nine months. The most common signs are changes inmenstruation, as well as changes in breast size and shape. Researchers have noticed there are certain endocrinologic similarities in people who have phantom pregnancies....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 314 words · Susan Benitez

What Is Phasmophobia (Fear of Ghosts) and How to Cope?

The fear of ghosts Phasmophobiais a persistent and intense fear of ghosts. People with phasmophobia might know that theiranxietyis unfounded. Still, they cant control their fear, which can cause significant distress. Image Source RF/Steve Prezant/Getty Images Many people get a few goosebumps while listening to a ghost story or watching a horror movie. But people with phasmophobia fear the supernatural, which can seriously limit their lives through avoidance behaviors. Read on to learn more about phasmophobia, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 344 words · Courtney Miller

What Is Phelan-McDermid Syndrome?

Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) is a raregenetic conditionalso referred to as 22q13 deletion syndrome. Persons with this condition typically show signs and symptoms by age 6 months. Common early symptoms include poor head control, developmental and speech delays, reduced muscle tone, and more. Verywell / JR Bee The syndrome was first described in 1985 in the medical literature. In 2003, 22q13 deletion syndrome officially became known as Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. How Rare Is Phelan-McDermid Syndrome?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 333 words · Frank Jones

What Is Pheochromocytoma?

These growths produce excess fight-or-flight hormones calledcatecholamines. Pheochromocytomas are very rare, with only two to eight cases diagnosed per 1 million people each year. Fewer than 10% of pheochromocytomas aremalignant(cancerous). SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images When they form outside the adrenal glands, these tumors are called extra-adrenal paragangliomas or paragangliomas. In contrast to pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas are less likely to secrete large amounts of catecholamines. They also have a higher chance of being malignant than pheochromocytomas....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 529 words · Diana Crawford

What Is Pilocytic Astrocytoma?

It is the most common pediatric tumor. It mainly occurs in young people under the age of 19. The most common initial symptoms are headache, nausea, andseizure. Marko Geber / Getty Images PA generally has a good prognosis. Early treatment ensures that the tumor does not invade or press on surrounding tissues and cause permanent damage. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 163 words · Shawn Jensen MD

What Is Pink Cocaine? The New Designer Drug Linked to Liam Payne's Death

Multiple news reports also link pink cocaine to a lawsuit involving music producer Sean Diddy Combs. It is called pink cocaine, but it usually doesnt contain cocaine. Why Is Pink Cocaine So Dangerous? Photo Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health; Getty Images People using pink cocaine cant predict how they’ll react each time because the mixtures vary. The ratios might be different and the actual drugs in them could be different....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 220 words · Amber Andrews

What Is Pitting Edema?

Pittingedemaoccurs because of a buildup of fluids that causes swelling, usually in the lower body. Non-pitting edema doesnt leave a mark and is usually sparked by fluids with relatively higherproteinand salt content. This article explains the underlying causes of pitting edema, as well as its symptoms. Verywell / Zoe Hansen It presents lifestyle changes and other interventions used to treat pitting edema. Lifestyle factors, like high salt intake, can lead to fluid retention and can be modified through diet....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 427 words · David Duncan

What Is Pituitary (Secondary) Hypothyroidism?

Pituitary hypothyroidismis a rare condition characterized bylow levels of thyroid hormonedue to failure of thepituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure in the brain that releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This hormone circulates in the blood and tells the thyroid to release its own hormones. Cunaplus_M.Faba / Getty Images Pituitary failure can manifest with several potential symptoms. Read on to learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of secondary hypothyroidism....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 381 words · Nathaniel Simmons

What Is Placental Insufficiency?

Medical professionals often use the terms “placental insufficiency” and “placental dysfunction” interchangeably. Another term for it is “uteroplacental vascular insufficiency.” It affects roughly 8% of all pregnancies. Joe Raedle/ Staff / Getty Images News / Getty Images Both may lead to preterm labor and other issues. Placental insufficiency isn’t the only potential cause of FGR, but it’s a major one. The developing fetus conserves its resources, leading to decreased overall growth....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 526 words · Kaitlyn Houston

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

This can be triggered by several things, from carrying extra weight to wearing unsupportive footwear. Thoughtreatmentsare usually quite simple, the pain of plantar fasciitis can be fairly severe. In fact, many people withheel spurshave no pain at all. Verywell / JR Bee There are a number of factors believed to increase a person’s risk for developing plantar fasciitis. Next, your healthcare provider will look for plantar fascia tenderness. Schwartz EN, Su J....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 137 words · Jeremy Whitney

What Is Plasma’s Role in the Body?

When its isolated, plasma looks like a straw-colored, cloudy liquid. Find out what blood plasma is and how its involved in a blood transfusion or other procedures. Whole blood appears red because of its red blood cells. Photo composite by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images Without the blood cells, the remaining plasma is straw-colored and slightly cloudy. The kidneys send excess water and minerals to the urine for release from the body....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 424 words · Brianna Obrien