Allergies Glossary: P
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This article is from the Health Articles series.
Allergies Glossary: P
PaO2 Measurement of the oxygenation of blood in the arteries.
PaCO2 Measurement of the bodys ability to excrete the carbon dioxide from arterial blood.
Patch Tests A form of skin testing in which the suspected allergens are placed on the patient's skin. Another patch with nothing on it, is a control. After 24 to 48 hours, both patches are removed and if the skin under the suspect patch is red and swollen and the control area is not, the test is said to be positive, and the person is likely to be allergic to that substance.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus Abnormal persistence of the opening in the arterial duct that connects the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta; this opening normally closes within 24 hours of birth.
Pathogenesis The cellular events and reactions that occur in the development of disease.
Pathophysiology The study of how normal physiological functions are altered by disease.
Physical Therapist A person trained in physical rehabilitation, restoration of function and the prevention of disability.
Phytochemicals Chemicals produced by plants, some of which have a preventive effect against certain diseases.
Placenta The special tissue that connects the mothers system to her fetus; it provides the fetus with oxygen, water, and nutrients (food) from the mother's blood and secretes the hormones necessary for successful pregnancy.
Pleura Membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the thoracic cavity.
Pneumonia Inflammation of the alveoli, interstitial tissue, and bronchioles of the lung due to infection by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogenic organisms or to irritation by chemicals or other agents.
Pneumonitis Inflammation of the lung tissue, usually due to hypersensitivity reactions.
Pneumothorax Accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity resulting in partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pollen Microscopic grains produced by plants in order to reproduce. Pollen is the central cause of many allergic reactions.
Pollutants An unwanted substance in the environment, usually with unhealthy effects. Pollutants can be in the atmosphere as gases or dust that irritate lung, eyes and skin, and as substances in water, food or beverages.
Positive Pressure Ventilation Provision of oxygen under pressure by a mechanical respirator.
Prenatal Occurring before birth.
Preservatives Additives used to protect against decay, discoloration or spoilage.
Progressive Increasing in severity.
Proteins Naturally occurring organic compounds essential to the structure and function of the body.
Psychologist A person trained in the science of mental processes and psychological analysis, therapy and research.
Pulmonary Relating to the lungs.
Pulmonary Artery Blood vessel that delivers oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs.
Pulmonary Embolism Closure or narrowing of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches by an embolism.
Pulmonary Function Tests Procedures used for measuring how well the lungs are working. The most common tests measure the ability of lungs to move air into and out of the lung.
Pulmonary Hypertension Abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.
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