Medical Glossary

Terms starting with P

EyelidPalpebra: Palpebra is the medical term for the eyelid. The lids protect the eye from foreign bodies and drying out and distribute the tear film when blinking. A distinction is made between an upper and a lower lid.
Palliation: Palliation refers to the relief of symptoms of a disease, regardless of whether the underlying condition can be cured. It complements curative, that is, healing treatment and can be provided in parallel with it. Well-being and quality of life are the primary focus.
PalliativePalliativ: Palliative treatment aims at relieving distressing symptoms and improving quality of life in serious illness. It can be introduced early on and used in parallel with other, disease-directed treatments — even when a cure may still be possible.
Palliative carePalliativpflege: Palliative nursing care comprises the nursing care of seriously ill and dying people with the aim of relieving complaints. It pays attention to well-being, dignity and the needs of those affected and their relatives. It takes place in the hospital, in care homes or at home.
Palliative care unitPalliativstation: A palliative care unit is a specialised ward in the hospital for people with incurable, advanced illnesses. There, distressing symptoms such as pain are relieved and quality of life is placed in the foreground. In addition to medical care, emotional support is also part of it.
Palliative medicinePalliativmedizin: Palliative medicine cares for people with serious, progressive illnesses — often alongside other treatments and not only at the end of life. The goal is to relieve pain and other distressing symptoms as well as to improve the quality of life of those affected and their families. It also includes psychological, social, and spiritual support.
Palpation: Palpation is the examination of the body by feeling with the hands as part of the physical examination. In doing so, the doctor checks, for example, the size, shape, firmness or tenderness of organs and tissues. It is one of the oldest and simplest examination methods.
Palpitation: Palpitation refers to the conscious and often unpleasant awareness of one's own heartbeat, for example as pounding, skipping or racing of the heart. It can be harmless, but it can also indicate cardiac arrhythmias. Common triggers are excitement, caffeine or physical exertion.
PancreasPankreas: The pancreas is a gland located in the upper abdomen behind the stomach. It produces digestive juices for the intestine as well as hormones such as insulin, which regulate blood sugar. Diseases of the pancreas therefore often affect digestion and sugar metabolism.
PancreatitisPankreatitis: Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. It usually manifests itself through severe upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and can take an acute or chronic course. Common causes are gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption.
PandemicPandemie: A pandemic is a disease that spreads across countries and continents and affects very many people. Unlike a locally limited epidemic, it affects large parts of the world's population. A well-known example is the spread of COVID-19.
PapulePapel: A papule is a small, firm and raised nodule of the skin that can usually be felt easily. It is generally less than one centimetre in size and occurs in many skin diseases. Papules can appear singly or in groups.
Paracetamol: Paracetamol is a widely used active substance against pain and fever. It is one of the most frequently used medicines and is available without a prescription in many countries. Your doctor or pharmacy can advise you on how to use it correctly.
ParalysisParalyse: Paralysis refers to a complete loss of movement, in which a muscle or part of the body can no longer be moved voluntarily. The cause is usually damage to nerves, the spinal cord or the brain. An incomplete loss of movement, by contrast, is called paresis.
ParaplegiaParaplegie: Paraplegia is a complete paralysis of both legs, usually as a result of damage to the spinal cord. Depending on the level of the damage, bladder and bowel function are also affected. If the arms are paralysed as well, this is referred to as tetraplegia.
Parenteral: Parenteral means that a medicine or nutrient solution is administered bypassing the digestive tract, for example via a vein or an injection. The opposite term is enteral, i.e. uptake via the intestine. Parenteral nutrition becomes necessary when the gastrointestinal tract cannot be used.
ParesisParese: Paresis is an incomplete or partial loss of movement in which the strength of a muscle is reduced but not entirely lost. It can occur, for example, after a stroke. Complete loss of movement is called paralysis.
ParesthesiaParästhesie: Paraesthesia is an abnormal skin sensation such as tingling, a crawling feeling or numbness without any external stimulus being present. It arises from irritation or damage to nerves. A well-known example is a leg «falling asleep» after sitting for a long time.
ParonychiaPanaritium: A panaritium is a purulent inflammation of a finger or toe, often in the area of the nail. It usually results from bacteria entering through small injuries. Typical signs are redness, swelling, throbbing and severe pain.
Paroxysmal: Paroxysmal describes complaints or signs of illness that occur suddenly and in attacks and often subside just as quickly. The term is used, for example, for certain cardiac arrhythmias or seizures. It comes from the Greek word for «violent attack».
Pathogen: «Pathogenic» describes anything that can cause disease, in particular infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. The word is made up of the Greek terms for «suffering» and «to produce». A disease-causing agent is also called a pathogen.
PathologicalPathologisch: Pathological means diseased or deviating from a healthy state. A pathological finding indicates an illness or disorder. The opposite is physiological, meaning normal and healthy.
PathologyPathologie: Pathology is the study of disease-related changes in the body and their causes. Pathologists examine tissue and cell samples under the microscope in order to make diagnoses. Their findings are often decisive for further treatment.
Patient: A patient is a person who is examined, treated or cared for medically or therapeutically. The term comes from the Latin word for «suffering» or «enduring». In a broader sense, this also includes people receiving check-ups and preventive care.
PectoralPektoral: Pectoral means «belonging to the chest» and refers to the chest area. For example, the large chest muscles are called musculus pectoralis. The term appears in many anatomical technical expressions.
PediatricsPädiatrie: Paediatrics is the medical speciality concerned with the health, development and diseases of children and adolescents. Doctors in this field are called paediatricians. They accompany their patients from birth into young adulthood.
PercussionPerkussion: Percussion is an examination method in which the doctor taps the body with the fingers. The sound allows conclusions to be drawn about air-filled or denser areas, for example in the lungs or abdomen. It complements listening with a stethoscope and palpation.
Perforation: A perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of an organ, for example in the stomach or intestine. It can be caused by ulcers, injuries or inflammation and is often a medical emergency. The contents of the organ may leak into the abdominal cavity.
Perfusion: Perfusion refers to the blood supply to a tissue or organ. Good perfusion is important so that cells receive oxygen and nutrients. If it is impaired, tissue can be damaged.
PericarditisPerikarditis: Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. Typical signs are stabbing chest pain that can change when breathing or lying down. Common causes are viral infections.
PericardiumPerikard: The pericardium is the heart sac, a thin, double-layered covering that surrounds the heart. It protects the heart and allows it to glide with little friction with every beat. Inflammation of this covering is called pericarditis.
Perinatal: Perinatal refers to the period immediately around birth, that is, shortly before, during and shortly after it. During this phase, mother and child are monitored particularly carefully. Perinatal medicine deals with this sensitive time.
PeriodontitisParodontitis: Periodontitis is an inflammation of the periodontium, i.e. the tissue and bone that anchor the tooth in the jaw. If left untreated, it can lead to receding gums and to the loss of teeth. It usually arises from bacterial plaque.
PeriodontosisParodontose: Periodontosis is the colloquial term for a recession of the gums and jawbone without pronounced inflammation. The term is often also used as a synonym for periodontitis. In both cases it can lead to loosening of the teeth.
PerioperativePerioperativ: Perioperative refers to the entire period surrounding an operation, that is before, during and after the procedure. During this phase, preparation, anaesthesia and monitoring, for example, are coordinated. The aim is a course that is as safe as possible and with few complications.
PeripheralPeripher: Peripheral means «located at the edge» and in medicine refers to the areas away from the centre of the body, such as the arms and legs. The peripheral nervous system comprises the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. The opposite term is central.
PeristalsisPeristaltik: Peristalsis is the wave-like muscle movement of hollow organs such as the oesophagus and intestine. It transports the food pulp onwards. If peristalsis is impaired, this can lead to constipation or cramps.
Peritoneum: The peritoneum is a thin serous membrane. One part lines the abdominal and pelvic cavity, another part covers many abdominal organs and supports their mobility.
Peritonitis: Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum and a serious, often life-threatening condition. It manifests itself through severe abdominal pain, a hard abdominal wall and a strong feeling of illness. A common cause is a rupture of organs, such as in appendicitis.
PetechiaePetechien: Petechiae are small, pinpoint bleedings into the skin or mucous membrane. They occur when tiny blood vessels burst and, unlike redness, cannot be pressed away. They can indicate clotting disorders or infections.
PhagocytosisPhagozytose: Phagocytosis is the process in which certain immune cells take up pathogens or cell debris and render them harmless. It is an important part of the innate immune system. The cells responsible for this are called scavenger cells or phagocytes.
PharmacologyPharmakologie: Pharmacology is the science of the effects of medicinal substances on the body. It investigates how medicines are absorbed, distributed, broken down and excreted. Possible side effects and interactions are also part of its field.
Pharyngitis: Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the throat, which usually manifests itself through a sore throat, difficulty swallowing and redness. It is frequently caused by viruses in the context of a cold. In most cases it is harmless and heals by itself.
Pharynx: The pharynx is the throat, the area behind the oral and nasal cavities where the airway and the food passage cross. It connects the nose and mouth with the oesophagus and larynx. Inflammation of the throat is called pharyngitis.
Phlebitis: Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein, frequently a superficial leg vein. Typical signs are redness, warmth, swelling and a cord under the skin that is painful to pressure. Varicose veins are often affected.
PhlegmonPhlegmone: A phlegmon is a purulent inflammation that spreads across an area of tissue, usually under the skin. It shows itself through redness, swelling, warmth and pain. The trigger is generally bacteria that enter through small wounds.
PhobiaPhobie: A phobia is a pronounced, persistent fear of certain objects, situations, or activities that are actually not dangerous. Those affected often avoid the trigger and suffer from the resulting restriction. Well-known examples are fear of heights or fear of open spaces and crowds.
PhysiologicalPhysiologisch: Physiological means corresponding to the normal, healthy life processes. A physiological state is therefore natural and not diseased. The opposite is pathological.
PhysiologyPhysiologie: Physiology is the study of the normal life processes and functions of the body. It explains, for example, how breathing, circulation and digestion work in a healthy state. It forms the basis for understanding diseases.
PhysiotherapyPhysiotherapie: Physiotherapy treats complaints of the musculoskeletal system with targeted exercises, movement and manual techniques. It helps to improve mobility, strength and function after injuries, operations or in chronic conditions. It is carried out by specially trained professionals.
Placebo: A placebo is a dummy medicine without an actual active substance that outwardly resembles a real medicine. It is used above all in studies to test the actual effect of a medication. The mere expectation of an effect can relieve symptoms, which is called the placebo effect.
PlacentaPlazenta: The placenta is the afterbirth, an organ that forms in the uterus during pregnancy. Through it the unborn child is supplied with oxygen and nutrients, and waste products are carried away. After the birth it is expelled.
Plaque: Plaque refers to a deposit, for example the bacterial coating on teeth or deposits in the walls of blood vessels. Vascular plaques consist among other things of fat and calcium and can narrow arteries. They play an important role in the hardening of the arteries.
Plasma: Plasma is the liquid, cell-free portion of the blood in which the blood cells float. It consists predominantly of water and contains proteins, nutrients, hormones and clotting factors. It serves to transport these substances through the body.
Pleura: The pleura (chest membrane) consists of two thin serous membranes: the visceral pleura covers the lung, and the parietal pleura lines the inside of the chest wall. Between them lies the pleural cavity, containing a small amount of fluid that allows low-friction gliding during breathing.
Pleural effusionPleuraerguss: A pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the gap between the lung and the chest wall. It can compress the lung and lead to shortness of breath. Causes include heart failure, infections or tumours.
Pleuritis: Pleuritis is an inflammation of the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs. It typically causes stabbing chest pain that depends on breathing. It frequently occurs in connection with pneumonia or other illnesses.
PneumologyPneumologie: Pneumology is the medical speciality that deals with diseases of the lungs and the airways. These include, for example, asthma, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia. Specialists in this field are called pneumologists or lung specialists.
PneumoniaPneumonie: Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue, usually triggered by bacteria or viruses. Typical complaints are cough, fever, shortness of breath and exhaustion. It can take a mild course, but can also be severe, especially in older people.
Pneumothorax: A pneumothorax occurs when air enters the gap between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely. Those affected notice sudden shortness of breath and stabbing chest pain. It can be caused by injuries or occur spontaneously.
PolydipsiaPolydipsie: Polydipsia refers to an abnormally increased feeling of thirst with increased drinking. It is a common sign of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. It is often accompanied by increased urination.
PolyneuropathyPolyneuropathie: Polyneuropathy is a disease affecting several peripheral nerves at the same time. It frequently shows itself through tingling, numbness, pain or muscle weakness, usually in the feet and hands. A common cause is long-standing diabetes mellitus.
Polyp: A polyp is a benign growth of the mucous membrane that protrudes into a hollow organ in a mushroom or button shape. Polyps are found, for example, in the bowel, in the nose or in the uterus. Some bowel polyps can develop into cancer over time and are therefore removed.
PolyuriaPolyurie: Polyuria refers to an abnormally increased excretion of urine. Those affected have to pass water unusually often and in large amounts. Common causes are diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus.
PostoperativePostoperativ: Postoperative refers to the period after an operation. During this phase, wound healing, pain and possible complications are monitored. The opposite term is preoperative, that is, the period before the procedure.
Postprandial: Postprandial means «after eating» and describes processes or measured values following a meal. For example, the postprandial blood sugar is determined some time after eating. The opposite term is preprandial, that is, before eating.
PredispositionPrädisposition: A predisposition is an inborn or acquired susceptibility to developing a particular disease. It means an increased risk, but not that the disease will necessarily occur. Hereditary factors often play a role.
PremedicationPrämedikation: Premedication is the preparation with medicines shortly before an operation or examination. It is intended, for example, to reduce anxiety and tension and to make the anaesthesia easier. It is part of the medical preparation for the procedure.
PremenstrualPrämenstruell: Premenstrual means «before the monthly period» and refers to the days before menstruation. During this time, physical and emotional complaints can occur, which are summarised as premenstrual syndrome. These include, for example, irritability, breast tenderness and water retention.
PreoperativePräoperativ: Preoperative refers to the period and the measures before an operation. These include, for example, preliminary examinations, informing the patient and preparing her for the procedure. The opposite term is postoperative, that is, the period after the procedure.
PrevalencePrävalenz: Prevalence indicates how many people in a particular group are suffering from a disease at a given point in time. It thus describes the frequency of a disease in the population. In contrast, incidence measures the number of new cases within a period of time.
PreventionPrävention: Prevention comprises all measures that serve to prevent diseases or to stop them from progressing. These include, for example, vaccinations, screening examinations and a healthy lifestyle. A distinction is made between prevention before, during and after an illness.
Primary care physicianPrimärarzt: The primary care physician is the first medical point of contact for health problems, often the family doctor. He or she coordinates the treatment and refers the patient to specialists if needed. In Switzerland this role is central in the family doctor model.
PrognosisPrognose: The prognosis is the medical assessment of the likely course and outcome of a disease. It is based on experience, findings and statistical data. A prognosis is always a probability, not a certain prediction.
ProgressiveProgredient: Progredient means progressive and describes a disease that increases or worsens over time. The term is often used for chronic or malignant conditions. The opposite is regredient, meaning receding.
ProlapseProlaps: A prolapse is the displacement of an organ or tissue out of its normal position. A well-known example is a slipped disc, in which disc tissue protrudes and can press on nerves. A prolapse of the uterus or rectum is also referred to as a prolapse.
ProphylaxisProphylaxe: Prophylaxis refers to preventive measures intended to prevent a disease before it arises — for example vaccinations or dental cleaning. The term literally means «prevention».
ProstateProstata: The prostate is a gland about the size of a chestnut that lies below the bladder in men. It surrounds the urethra and produces part of the seminal fluid. With age it can become enlarged and make passing water difficult.
ProsthesisProthese: A prosthesis is an artificial replacement for a missing or non-functioning part of the body, such as a leg, a row of teeth or a hip joint. It is intended to restore the lost function or appearance as well as possible. A distinction is made between joint, dental and limb prostheses, among others.
Protein: A protein is a building block of all cells and is indispensable for numerous bodily functions. Among other things, proteins serve as structural material, enzymes, transport substances and defence substances. They are taken in with food and are constantly built up and broken down in the body.
ProteinuriaProteinurie: Proteinuria refers to an increased occurrence of protein in the urine. Since the kidneys normally retain protein, it can be a sign of kidney disease. It is often detected with a simple urine test strip.
Pruritus: Pruritus is the medical term for itching. It can affect the entire skin or only individual areas and is a very common symptom. Causes range from dry skin and allergies to internal diseases.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin disease with reddened, scaly patches of skin. It usually occurs in episodes and can also affect the joints. It is based on an excessive reaction of the immune system.
PsychiatryPsychiatrie: Psychiatry is the medical speciality concerned with the recognition and treatment of mental illnesses. These include, for example, depression, anxiety disorders and psychoses. Specialists in this field are called psychiatrists.
PsychosisPsychose: A psychosis is an exceptional mental state in which the connection to reality is disturbed. Typical features are delusions or sensory illusions such as hearing voices. Psychoses can occur in various mental and physical illnesses.
PsychosomaticsPsychosomatik: Psychosomatic medicine deals with the interplay between mind and body in the development of complaints. It assumes that mental strain can cause or intensify physical symptoms. Conversely, physical illnesses also influence mental well-being.
PsychotherapyPsychotherapie: Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental illnesses and strains using psychological means, above all through conversation. The aim is to relieve complaints and to improve how problems are dealt with. There are various recognised methods, such as behavioural therapy.
PtosisPtose: Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid, which can cover the eye completely or partially. It can be congenital or arise from nerve, muscle or age-related changes. If pronounced, it can impair vision.
PubertyPubertät: Puberty is the developmental phase in which a child becomes a sexually mature person. During this time, physical and emotional changes occur under the influence of hormones. It usually begins between the ages of 10 and 14.
PulmonaryPulmonal: Pulmonary means «relating to the lungs». The term appears in many technical expressions, for example in pulmonary hypertension, high blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation. It is derived from the Latin word «pulmo» for lung.
PulsePuls: The pulse is the palpable pressure wave that runs through the arteries with every heartbeat. It can be felt, for example, on the wrist or on the neck, and provides information about the sequence and strength of the heartbeats. In adults, it is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute at rest.
PuncturePunktion: A puncture is the targeted insertion of a hollow needle in order to remove fluid or tissue or to introduce medication. It serves both diagnostic and treatment purposes, for example in the case of an effusion. Well-known examples are taking blood or removing cerebrospinal fluid.
PupilPupille: The pupil is the black, round opening in the middle of the iris of the eye. Light enters the interior of the eye through it, and its width adapts to the brightness. Its reaction is tested during neurological examinations.
Purpura: Purpura refers to extensive reddish-purple bleeding into the skin that cannot be pressed away. It arises from blood leaking out of small vessels into the skin. Causes include clotting disorders and inflammation of the blood vessels.
PustulePustel: A pustule is a small skin blister filled with pus. It occurs, for example, in acne or bacterial skin inflammations. In contrast to a clear blister, its contents are cloudy and yellowish.
Pyelonephritis: Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the renal pelvis and the kidney tissue, usually caused by bacteria. Typical signs are flank pain, fever and discomfort when passing water. It often develops from an ascending urinary tract infection.
PyrexiaPyrexie: Pyrexia is the medical term for fever, that is, an abnormally raised body temperature. Fever is usually a sign that the body is defending itself against an infection. One usually speaks of fever from a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius.