Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A disease due to deficiency of niacin, a B-complex vitamin. Pellagra is the “disease of the four D’s” — Other features are ulcerations within the mouth (glossitis), nausea. vomiting, seizures and balance disorder (ataxia). Pellagra is now rare in developed countries which enjoy balanced diets and fortified foods, but it was once a huge public health problem in…

A rare condition in which the liver contains multiple, randomly-distributed blood-filled spaces or cavities ranging in size from millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Peliosis hepatis has been associated with the use of anabolic steroids and other hormones such as oral contraceptive pills. It has also been observed in association with both benign and malignant liver tumors, infections, and the use of certain…

Stands for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, a surgical procedure for placing a feeding tube without having to perform an open laparotomy (operation on the abdomen). The aim of PEG is to feed those who cannot swallow. PEG may be done by a surgeon, otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) or gastroenterologist (GI specialist). It is done in a. hospital or outpatient surgical facility. Local anesthesia (usually lidocaine…

Peak expiratory flow.

Peeping tom (voyeurism) is a disorder that involves achieving sexual arousal by observing an unsuspecting and non-consenting person who is undressing or unclothed, and/or engaged in sexual activity. This behavior may conclude with masturbation by the voyeur. The voyeur does not seek sexual contact with the person he is observing. Other names for this behavior are…

Abbreviation for positive end-expiratory pressure. A method of ventilation in which airway pressure is maintained above atmospheric pressure at the end of exhalation by means of a mechanical impedance, usually a valve, within the circuit. The purpose of PEEP is to increase the volume of gas remaining in the lungs at the end of expiration in order to decrease the shunting…

An abnormal and persistent fear of babies and children. Sufferers experience anxiety even though they realize their fear is groundless. Rearing a child or being around active children can both produce anxiety. From the Greek “pais” (child) and “phobos” (fear). Related terms include: androphobia, an abnormal and persistent fear of men; gynephobia, a comparably irrational and…

Adult sexual fondness for and activity with children. Pedophilia is a form of paraphilia (deviant sexual behavior). If acted out, pedophilia is legally defined as sexual child abuse. Pedophilia includes fondling a child’s genitals, intercourse, incest, rape, sodomy, exhibitionism, and commercial exploitation of children through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials. Pedophiles who have sexually abused children require intense psychological…

The field of medicine that is concerned with the health of infants, children, and adolescents; their growth and development; and their opportunity to achieve full potential as adults.

Pertaining to children.