Swelling after surgery is a normal part of healing, but understanding what causes it and how to manage it can make your recovery smoother and more comfortable.

Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare but serious complication that can develop after organ or stem cell transplant, when white blood cells multiply uncontrollably due to a weakened immune system.

Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome is a condition where symptoms continue or develop weeks, months, or even years after recovering from the initial COVID-19 infection, affecting multiple organs and significantly impacting daily life.

Post-traumatic headache is one of the most common symptoms following a head injury, affecting up to 90% of people who experience traumatic brain injury. While most people recover within weeks, some continue to experience debilitating headaches for months or even years after the initial injury.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by extremely stressful or frightening events. While most people experience distress after trauma, some develop persistent symptoms that can significantly affect their daily lives—but effective treatments are available that can help people recover.

Postoperative delirium is the most common complication of surgery for older adults, affecting up to half of seniors who undergo operations. This sudden change in mental function—ranging from confusion and disorientation to agitation or unusual sleepiness—typically occurs within hours to days after surgery and can significantly impact recovery if not recognized and managed properly.

Surgery can save lives, but infections at the surgical site remain a common complication that affects millions of patients each year, increasing hospital stays and healthcare costs while threatening recovery.

Postpartum haemorrhage is severe bleeding after childbirth that affects up to 5 in every 100 women, but with early detection and proper treatment, most people make a full recovery.

Postprandial hypoglycaemia, also known as reactive hypoglycemia, is a condition where blood sugar drops too low within a few hours after eating a meal. While it shares similar symptoms with other types of low blood sugar, this condition has distinct causes and requires specific dietary approaches for management.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that causes your heart to beat much faster than normal when you stand up, leading to dizziness, exhaustion, and many other symptoms that can significantly impact daily life.

Pouchitis is inflammation that develops inside an ileal pouch, a surgically created internal reservoir made from the small intestine. It’s the most common complication after pouch surgery, affecting between 25% and 45% of people who have this procedure. While most cases respond well to treatment with antibiotics, some people experience ongoing or recurring inflammation that becomes more challenging to manage.

Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that transforms through a person’s lifetime—beginning with weak, floppy infants who struggle to feed, then shifting dramatically in childhood to an insatiable appetite that never signals fullness, leading to one of the most challenging aspects of care: constant food supervision to prevent life-threatening obesity.

Pre-eclampsia is a serious blood pressure condition that can develop during pregnancy, typically after the 20th week, affecting 5% to 8% of all pregnancies and posing risks to both mother and baby if left untreated.

When children’s bodies begin developing into adult bodies much earlier than expected, it can raise concerns and questions for families. Understanding what is happening and why can help parents support their child through this challenging time.

Precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma is a rare and uncommon blood cancer that primarily affects lymph nodes and tissues outside the bone marrow, with a distinct preference for locations beyond typical blood-forming organs.

When B-lymphoblastic lymphoma returns after treatment, patients face challenging decisions about next steps. Understanding what happens when this aggressive blood cancer comes back can help patients and families navigate treatment options and maintain hope.

When precursor B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma stops responding to treatment, patients face one of the most challenging situations in cancer care, with traditional chemotherapy offering limited hope for long-term survival.

When precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma or leukaemia returns after treatment, patients face one of the most challenging situations in blood cancer care, with survival rates remaining significantly lower than for newly diagnosed disease.

When T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma does not respond to treatment, patients face one of the most challenging situations in blood cancer care, with survival rates remaining below 30%.

When a baby arrives before completing 37 weeks in the womb, they need special attention and care to grow and thrive. These tiny fighters face unique challenges, but with modern medical care and dedicated support, most can overcome early obstacles and develop into healthy children.

Premature rupture of membranes occurs when the fluid-filled sac protecting a baby breaks before labor begins, creating risks for both mother and child that require immediate medical attention and careful management decisions.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurs when the protective sac surrounding your baby breaks before 37 weeks of pregnancy and before labor begins. This complication affects about 3% of pregnancies and requires careful medical management to balance the risks of premature birth against the dangers of infection and other complications.

Primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease, is a rare but serious condition where your adrenal glands cannot produce enough of the essential hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Though uncommon, affecting about 1 in 100,000 people in the United States, this condition requires lifelong treatment and careful management to prevent life-threatening complications.

Primary amyloidosis, also known as AL amyloidosis, is a rare disorder where abnormal proteins build up in organs and tissues throughout the body, potentially affecting the heart, kidneys, nerves, and other vital systems.

Primary biliary cholangitis is a long-term liver condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the small tubes in the liver that carry bile, leading to gradual damage that can worsen over time without treatment.

Primary hyperaldosteronism is a condition where your adrenal glands produce too much of a hormone called aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure and potentially serious health problems. Once considered rare, it is now recognized as one of the most common causes of high blood pressure that doesn’t respond well to medication, affecting up to 10% of people with hypertension.

Primary hypercholesterolaemia is a condition where your blood contains too much “bad” cholesterol, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL). While it usually causes no symptoms, it silently increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes by allowing fat to build up in your arteries.

Primary hyperoxaluria is a rare inherited condition where the body produces too much oxalate, leading to recurring kidney stones and potentially life-threatening kidney damage.

Primary hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland itself produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding up your body’s metabolism and affecting nearly every organ system. This condition differs from secondary hyperthyroidism, where the problem starts in the pituitary gland.

Primary hypogonadism is a condition where the testes fail to produce enough testosterone or sperm, affecting male development, sexual function, and overall health at any stage of life.

Primary immunodeficiency syndrome refers to a large group of disorders where the body’s immune system doesn’t work properly, making it harder to fight off infections and leading to various health complications throughout life.

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the chest, primarily affecting young adults and showing a unique tendency to occur more often in women than men.

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is an aggressive form of cancer that develops in the space between the lungs. While most patients respond well to initial treatment, those whose disease becomes refractory—meaning it no longer responds to standard therapy—face significant challenges that require specialized approaches.

Primary myelofibrosis is a rare blood cancer where excessive scar tissue builds up in the bone marrow, affecting the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells and potentially leading to serious complications if left unmanaged.

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis is a type of multiple sclerosis where symptoms gradually worsen from the beginning, without the typical periods of symptom flare-ups and recovery seen in other forms of the disease. Unlike the more common relapsing-remitting MS, this progressive form affects about 10% of people diagnosed with MS and typically appears later in life.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumours are rare, aggressive cancers that develop from immature nerve cells left over from early development. While these tumours present significant treatment challenges, advances in medical understanding and treatment approaches are providing new hope for patients.

Prinzmetal angina is a rare type of chest pain that strikes unexpectedly, usually during the night or early morning hours when you’re resting or asleep. Unlike typical angina that happens during physical exertion, this condition is caused by sudden spasms in the arteries supplying your heart with blood.

Fear and worry about medical procedures are common experiences that can affect anyone, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries. Understanding what procedural anxiety is and learning effective ways to manage it can help make medical visits less stressful and lead to better health outcomes.

Procedural haemorrhage is bleeding that occurs during or after a medical procedure. While common to most invasive procedures, the risk varies depending on the type of procedure, patient-specific factors, and the experience of the healthcare team performing the procedure.

Procedural headache is a type of headache that develops as a complication after certain medical procedures involving the spine, most commonly following a spinal tap or epidural anesthesia. This intense headache occurs when cerebrospinal fluid leaks through a puncture site in the protective covering of the spinal cord, causing pressure changes around the brain.

Procedural hypotension, also known as perioperative or intraoperative hypotension, is a common drop in blood pressure that occurs during surgery and anesthesia. This condition affects a significant number of surgical patients and can lead to serious complications if not properly managed.

Procedural pain is the discomfort children and adults experience during medical procedures like needle sticks, blood draws, and other medical interventions. While these procedures may be brief, their impact can extend far beyond the moment, affecting future healthcare experiences and overall well-being.

Prodromal Alzheimer’s disease represents a critical window in the progression from normal cognition to dementia, when mild cognitive impairment begins to signal deeper brain changes that may lie ahead.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by a common virus that most people carry harmlessly, but which can become dangerous when the immune system is severely weakened.

Progressive multiple sclerosis is a form of MS where symptoms gradually worsen over time, affecting about 10-15% of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Understanding this condition and available treatments can help patients maintain quality of life.

Progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis is the rarest form of MS, affecting only about 5% of people with multiple sclerosis. Unlike other types, this condition combines steady worsening of symptoms from the start with occasional sudden flare-ups, making it particularly challenging to manage.

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare brain disease that primarily affects how you walk, move your eyes, think, and swallow. Although it shares some features with Parkinson’s disease, it progresses faster and has unique characteristics that set it apart.

A prolactin-producing pituitary tumour, also called a prolactinoma, is the most common type of hormone-making tumour in the pituitary gland. These growths are not cancerous and often respond well to treatment with medication, though some people may need surgery.

Prolymphocytic leukaemia is a rare and aggressive blood cancer that affects white blood cells. It advances rapidly and primarily affects older adults, making early diagnosis and treatment critical for managing this challenging condition.

Preventing nausea and vomiting, particularly after surgery, is a critical part of modern healthcare that can significantly improve patient comfort and reduce complications. Understanding available prevention strategies helps patients and healthcare providers work together to minimize these distressing symptoms.

Propionic acidaemia is a rare inherited disorder where the body cannot properly break down certain proteins and fats, leading to a dangerous buildup of toxic acids that can cause serious health problems from the first days of life.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide, but many cases grow slowly and can be successfully managed with modern treatments and careful monitoring.

Metastatic prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate and spreads to other parts of the body, most often to the bones. While this advanced form cannot be cured, many treatments are available to control its growth, manage symptoms, and help patients live for years with a good quality of life.

Recurrent prostate cancer means the cancer has returned after treatment. Up to 40% of men treated for prostate cancer will experience a recurrence, but many effective treatment options are available to control the disease and extend life.

Prostatitis caused by Escherichia coli is a bacterial infection of the prostate gland that can lead to painful urination, pelvic discomfort, and flu-like symptoms. Understanding this condition helps patients recognize when to seek medical care and how treatment can effectively address the infection.

Proteinuria is the presence of an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, which can signal kidney damage or other health conditions. While healthy kidneys normally keep proteins in the blood and out of urine, damaged kidneys may allow protein to leak through, making proteinuria an important early warning sign of potential kidney problems.

Proteus syndrome is one of the world’s rarest genetic conditions, affecting fewer than 1 in 1 million people worldwide. This complex disorder causes some parts of the body to grow abnormally and out of proportion, leading to significant physical differences that worsen over time.

Pruritus is the medical term for itching—an uncomfortable sensation that makes you want to scratch your skin. While everyone experiences itching at some point, chronic pruritus can be more than just a nuisance. It can disrupt sleep, affect mental health, and significantly impact quality of life, sometimes as much as chronic pain does.

Pseudomonas infection is a condition caused by bacteria that are common in the environment but can become dangerous for people who are already ill or have weakened immune systems, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a very rare cancer that fills the abdomen with a jelly-like substance. It usually begins in the appendix and slowly spreads within the belly, earning it the nickname “jelly belly.” Though challenging to diagnose early, modern treatments combining surgery and chemotherapy can offer hope for long-term survival.