Articles

Disease

Paget disease of the bone

X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation that can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray depending on density. X-rays can provide information about obstructions, tumors, and other diseases, especially when coupled with the use of barium and air contrast within the bowel.

Paget disease is a disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth. This results in deformity of the affected bones.

Self-Care Instructions

Pain and your emotions

Chronic pain can limit your everyday activities and make it hard to work. It can also affect how involved you are with friends and family members....

Special Topic

Pain medications - narcotics

Narcotics are also called opioid pain relievers. They are used only for pain that is severe and is not helped by other types of painkillers. When used...

Symptoms

Painful menstrual periods

External structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris. Internal structures include the uterus, ovaries and cervix.

Painful menstrual periods are periods in which a woman has crampy lower abdominal pain, sharp or aching pain that comes and goes, or possibly back pain. Some...

Symptoms

Painful swallowing

Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.

Swallowing pain is any pain or discomfort while swallowing. You may feel it high in the neck or lower down behind the breastbone. Most often, the pain feels...

Poison

Paint, lacquer, and varnish remover poisoning

This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing or breathing in (sniffing) products to remove paint, lacquer, or varnish. This article is for...

Disease

Palatal myoclonus

Palatal myoclonus is a fast spasm (contraction) of the muscles in the roof of the mouth.

Symptoms

Paleness

The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.

Paleness is an abnormal loss of color from normal skin or mucous membranes.

Special Topic

Palliative care - fear and anxiety

Palliative care is a holistic approach to care that focuses on treating pain and symptoms and improving quality of life in people with serious illnesses.

Self-Care Instructions

Palliative care - fluid, food, and digestion

Palliative care is a holistic approach to care that focuses on treating pain and symptoms and improving quality of life in people with serious illnesses.