Pickwickian syndrome
The combination of obesity, somnolence (sleepiness), hypoventilation (underbreathing), and plethoric (red) face.
The syndrome is so named because of the “fat and red-faced boy in a state of somnolency” that Charles Dickens described in his novel, The Pickwick Papers. (The same boy is thought by some experts possibly to have had the Prader-Willi syndrome).
Read Also:
- PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
This term is applied to women only. Pelvic inflammatory disease refers exclusively to ascending infection of the female upper genital tract (the female structures above the cervix). Pelvic inflammatory disease is the most common and serious complication of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), aside from AIDS, among women. The signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease […]
- Piercing
Using a sharp instrument, usually a needle, to make a temporary or permanent hole through an earlobe or other body part. Humans have practiced piercing for body decoration since prehistoric times. Unless it is performed using a sterile needle (preferably disposable), piercing can carry a risk of infection. A piercing should be kept clean; antibiotic […]
- Pigeon breast
Having a prominent breastbone and chest. Also known as pectus carinatum.
- Pigment
A substance that gives color to tissue. Pigments are responsible for the colors of skin, eyes, and hair.
- Pigmentation
The coloring of the skin, hair, mucous membranes, and retina of the eye. Pigmentation is due to the deposition of the pigment melanin, which is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. Other pigment-related terms include hyperpigmentation (too much pigment), hypopigmentation and underpigmentation (too little pigment), and depigmentation (loss of pigment).