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pharyngeal pouch

An outpouching of the pharynx just above the junction with the oesophagus

pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx - the medical term for a sore throat

pharynx

The throat

phenothiazines

A group of drugs used to treat psychotic illness.

Philadelphia chromosome

An abnormal chromosome - produced when parts of chromosomes 9 and 22 are exchanged - that increases the risk of leukaemia.

phimosis

Contraction of the foreskin, preventing it being fully retracted over the glans of the penis.

phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein

phosphates

Salts that are essential in the diet.

photophobia

An abnormal sensitivity to light.

photosensitive butterfly rash

A common symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus.

phototoxic reaction

Skin damage caused by chemicals.

phototoxicity

An adverse reaction to sunlight or ultraviolet light caused by chemicals.

physiotherapist

A healh professional who specialises in physical therapies, such as exercise, massage and manipulation.

physiotherapy

The use of physical therapies such as exercise, massage and manipulation.

pica

A craving to eat non-food substances such as earth or coal.

PID

An abbreviation for pelvic inflammatory disease.

pilonidal sinus

A sinus tract running in the cleft between the buttocks and usually containing infected hair fragments.

pituitary

A gland deep in the brain that produces several hormones controlling the production of other hormones throughout the body

pituitary fossa

The depression in the base of the skull that houses the pituitary gland.

pityriasis

A skin rash thought to be caused by a virus.

pityriasis alba

A common skin condition of childhood and adolescence, where scaly, pale patches appear on the face.

pityriasis lichenoides chronica

An uncommon rash of unknown cause, characterised by the gradual development of small, elevated, reddened, dome-shaped papules.

pityriasis rosea

A rash of scaly pink plaques, which is harmless and goes away without treatment.

pityriasis versicolor

A skin disease characterised by a rash that is caused by the yeast fungus.