Medical dictionary

What is pharyngitis?Pharyngitis, or a sore throat, is the inflammation of the pharynx, which is located between the tonsils and the larynx, at the back of the mouth. It is characterised by a scratchy feeling and difficulty swallowing. Pharyngitis usually subsides within a week and is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It causes a sore throat, fever, a rash, redness of the pharynx, swollen l

What is analysed? A pharyngotonsillar culture is a laboratory test used to identify the presence of bacteria or other pathogens in the throat and tonsils. How is it used? Pharyngotonsillar culture is used to diagnose bacterial infections such as streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) and tonsillitis. Why undergo the analysis? Pharyngotonsillar culture is performed when a patie

What is being analysed? This test analyses phenobarbital levels in the blood. Phenobarbital is a medication primarily used as an anticonvulsant to prevent seizures. Monitoring its levels is crucial to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and to avoid toxicity.   What does the result mean? The result indicates the concentration of phenobarbital in the blood. This information helps

What is analysed?Phenytoin is a medication used to treat and prevent seizures in patients who have epilepsy. The phenytoin test analyses levels of phenytoin in the blood.What does the result mean?The result indicates the concentration of phenytoin in the blood.Why conduct the analysis?The phenytoin test is conducted to monitor and maintain optimal therapeutic levels of phenytoin. Deviations from t

What is phimosis?Phimosis is a condition that inhibits the foreskin from being able to be pulled over the head of the penis (the glans) because the skin of the foreskin is too tight. The foreskin can appear as a rubber band or tight ring around the tip. There are two forms of phimosis: physiological or pathological. If it is physiological (congenital or primary), it occurs naturally from birt

What is a phlebectomy? An ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure to remove varicose veins (veins that are enlarged and exposed). The operation is performed under a local anaesthetic where tiny incisions are made in the veins affected. Why would you do it? A phlebectomy is used to treat veins which have begun to bulge and become prominent lumps at the surface of the skin. Although varic

What is phlebitis? Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein. They become inflamed either due to a blood clot (thrombus) or because the vein walls are damaged. For this reason, the terms phlebitis and thrombophlebitis are used almost interchangeably. There are two types of phlebitis – superficial phlebitis affects the veins close to the surface of the skin and is usually not too serious; de

What is pH monitoring? pH monitoring is a diagnostic test of the digestive system and is used to measure acid in the oesophagus. It is performed using a probe with acid-sensitive receptors. A gastroenterologist will carry out this test.  What does it involve? pH monitoring involves passing a probe through one of your nostrils and positioning it in the lower portion of the oesopha

What are phobias? A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder characterised by an extreme and debilitating fear of a place, situation, animal or feeling. It is usually irrational, either in its very nature, or in the level of fear experienced, which often leads patients to go to extreme lengths to avoid the source of that fear. There are many different types of phobia, but they can be broadly gr