This list includes 68 Diseases that start with P, from “Paget’s Disease of Bone” to “Pyoderma Gangrenosum”. Many entries are eponyms or infectious and autoimmune conditions, so the list mixes chronic disorders with acute, high-impact illnesses. You can use it for quick lookups, study, or to guide further reading.
Diseases that start with P are medical conditions whose standard names begin with the letter P. A notable example is Paget’s disease, named after Sir James Paget, reflecting how clinical history shapes nomenclature.
Below you’ll find the table with Disease, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Notes and Sources.
Disease: Clear official name of the condition so you can identify and search for authoritative information quickly.
Symptoms: Short list of the most common and notable symptoms, helping you spot red flags and decide next steps.
Causes: Primary causes and major risk factors summarized so you understand what typically leads to the condition.
Treatments: Typical first-line treatments and common management options, with a note about specialist referral when needed.
Notes: Brief clinical tips, important variants, or epidemiologic points that help in quick context or further research.
Sources: Indicates primary references and review resources used so you can follow up for detailed study or citation.
Diseases that start with P
| Name | ICD code(s) | Main symptoms | Primary cause / risk factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paget’s Disease of Bone | M88 | Bone pain, enlarged bones, fractures, headache. | Abnormal breakdown and regrowth of bone; genetics, viral infection. |
| Paget’s Disease of the Breast | C50.0, 2C60.0Z | Itchy, red, crusty nipple/areola; flattened nipple. | Underlying breast cancer (ductal carcinoma). |
| Pancreatic Cancer | C25 | Abdominal pain radiating to back, weight loss, jaundice. | Uncontrolled cell growth in pancreas; smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis. |
| Pancreatitis | K85, K86.0, K86.1 | Severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever. | Inflammation of the pancreas; gallstones, heavy alcohol use. |
| Panic Disorder | F41.0 | Sudden intense fear, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath. | Genetics, major stress, temperament sensitive to stress. |
| Paranoid Personality Disorder | F60.0 | Pervasive distrust and suspicion of others’ motives. | Combination of genetic and environmental factors; childhood trauma. |
| Paratyphoid Fever | A01.1-A01.4 | Prolonged fever, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, rash. | Infection with Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria from contaminated food/water. |
| Parkinson’s Disease | G20, 8A00.0 | Tremor at rest, slow movement, stiffness, balance problems. | Loss of dopamine-producing brain cells; genetics, environmental factors. |
| Parvovirus B19 Infection | B08.3, 1E90.1 | Slapped cheek rash on face, body rash, fever, joint pain. | Infection with human parvovirus B19. |
| Patau Syndrome | Q91.4-Q91.7 | Severe intellectual disability, heart defects, cleft lip/palate, small eyes. | Genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 13. |
| Pediculosis (Lice Infestation) | B85 | Itchy scalp (head lice), body, or pubic area; visible lice or nits. | Infestation by parasitic insects (lice). |
| Pellagra | E52 | Dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, sores in the mouth. | Severe deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3). |
| Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) | N70, N73, GA01 | Lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sex. | Bacterial infection spreading from vagina to reproductive organs; often STIs. |
| Pemphigus Vulgaris | L10.0, EB40.0 | Painful blisters and sores on skin and mucous membranes. | Autoimmune disorder where antibodies attack proteins in the skin. |
| Peptic Ulcer Disease | K27 | Burning stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea. | H. pylori infection, long-term use of NSAID pain relievers. |
| Pericarditis | I30 | Sharp, stabbing chest pain that may improve when leaning forward. | Viral infection, autoimmune disorders, heart attack. |
| Periodontitis | K05.3, DA0C.3 | Swollen, bleeding gums; bad breath; loose teeth. | Poor oral hygiene leading to bacterial plaque buildup. |
| Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) | I73.9, BD51 | Painful leg cramping with activity (claudication), numbness. | Atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries) reducing blood flow to limbs. |
| Peripheral Neuropathy | G60-G64 | Numbness, tingling, weakness, burning pain, usually in hands/feet. | Nerve damage from diabetes, injuries, infections, toxins. |
| Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | A37, 1C17 | Severe coughing fits followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound. | Bacterial infection (Bordetella pertussis). |
| Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome | Q85.8, LD2C.0 | Dark freckles on lips/mouth, noncancerous polyps in GI tract. | Genetic mutation in the STK11 gene. |
| Peyronie’s Disease | N48.6, GC05.0 | Curved, painful erections; scar tissue (plaque) in the penis. | Fibrous scar tissue forming in the penis. |
| Pheochromocytoma | C74.1, D44.7, 2F33 | High blood pressure, headache, heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat. | Tumor of the adrenal glands that secretes excess hormones. |
| Phenylketonuria (PKU) | E70.0, E70.1, 5C50.00 | Intellectual disability, seizures, behavioral problems, musty body odor. | Inherited inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. |
| Pinworm Infection | B80 | Anal itching (especially at night), irritability, insomnia. | Infection with the parasitic roundworm Enterobius vermicularis. |
| Pityriasis Rosea | L42, EA93 | Large “herald patch” followed by smaller oval spots on trunk. | Likely a viral infection, though the exact cause is unknown. |
| Pityriasis Versicolor | B36.0, 1F2B.11 | Small, discolored patches on the skin, usually on the trunk/upper arms. | Overgrowth of a common yeast (Malassezia) on the skin. |
| Plague | A20 | Fever, headache, chills, weakness, swollen lymph nodes (buboes). | Bacterial infection (Yersinia pestis) from flea bites or infected animals. |
| Plantar Fasciitis | M72.2 | Stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. | Inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) on the foot’s bottom. |
| Plantar Wart | B07, 1F91.0 | Hard, grainy growth on the sole of the foot; pain with walking. | Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection entering through skin breaks. |
| Pneumoconiosis | J60-J65, CA61 | Shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest tightness. | Inhaling certain dust particles (e.g., coal, asbestos, silica). |
| Pneumonia | J12-J18, CA40 | Cough with phlegm, fever, chills, difficulty breathing. | Infection (bacterial, viral, fungal) of the lungs. |
| Pneumothorax | J93, S27.0, CB21 | Sudden sharp chest pain, shortness of breath. | Air leaking into the space between your lung and chest wall. |
| Poland Syndrome | Q79.8, LB02.0 | Underdeveloped or absent chest muscle on one side of the body. | Unknown; thought to be caused by disruption of blood flow in early pregnancy. |
| Polio (Poliomyelitis) | A80 | Fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, muscle stiffness, paralysis. | Infection with the poliovirus. |
| Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | E28.2 | Irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, obesity. | Hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, genetics. |
| Polycythemia Vera | D45, 2A20.2 | Headache, dizziness, itchy skin, fatigue, ruddy complexion. | Bone marrow produces too many red blood cells. |
| Polymyalgia Rheumatica | M35.3, FA31.0 | Muscle pain and stiffness in shoulders, neck, and hips. | Unknown cause; combination of genetic and environmental factors. |
| Polymyositis | M33.2, FC50.1 | Progressive muscle weakness, especially in muscles closest to the trunk. | Autoimmune disease causing chronic muscle inflammation. |
| Porphyria | E80 | Abdominal pain, nerve problems, skin sensitivity to sun. | Genetic disorders affecting hemoglobin production. |
| Post-Concussion Syndrome | F07.81, G93.3 | Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, memory problems after a concussion. | Symptoms persisting weeks or months after a head injury. |
| Post-herpetic Neuralgia | G53.0, 8B84.20 | Lasting nerve pain in the area of a previous shingles rash. | Nerve fiber damage caused by the shingles virus. |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | F43.1, 6B40 | Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about a trauma. | Experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. |
| Postpartum Depression | F53.0, 6E21 | Severe depression, anxiety, and exhaustion after childbirth. | Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, emotional stress of a new baby. |
| Prader-Willi Syndrome | Q87.1, LD51.0 | Constant hunger, obesity, low muscle tone, intellectual disability. | Genetic disorder caused by a defect on chromosome 15. |
| Preeclampsia | O14 | High blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. | Problem with the placenta’s development; exact cause unknown. |
| Presbyopia | H52.4 | Gradual loss of the eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. | Natural hardening of the eye’s lens as a part of aging. |
| Pressure Ulcer (Bedsore) | L89, NF00-NF0Z | Skin and tissue injury from prolonged pressure on the skin. | Sustained pressure, friction, or shear, often from immobility. |
| Priapism | N48.3 | Prolonged erection of the penis, not caused by sexual stimulation. | Blood flow problem in the penis; often related to medications or blood disorders. |
| Primary Biliary Cholangitis | K74.3, DB97.0 | Fatigue, itchy skin, dry eyes and mouth, jaundice. | Autoimmune disease slowly destroying bile ducts in the liver. |
| Primary Hyperparathyroidism | E21.0 | Fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, depression, memory loss. | Overactivity of one or more parathyroid glands, often from a benign tumor. |
| Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) | G12.2, 8B60.0Y | Progressive weakness and stiffness in voluntary muscles (legs, arms, speech). | Degeneration of motor neurons in the brain. |
| Primary Peritoneal Cancer | C48.1, 2C76.0 | Abdominal bloating, pain, constipation, feeling full quickly. | Cancer cells arising from the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. |
| Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis | K83.0, DB97.1 | Fatigue, itching, jaundice, abdominal pain. | Chronic disease causing inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts. |
| Prion Diseases | A81, 8E03 | Rapidly developing dementia, memory loss, personality changes, hallucinations. | Abnormal, misfolded prion proteins damaging the brain. |
| Progressive Supranuclear Palsy | G23.1, 8A03.1 | Balance problems, falls, stiffness, problems with eye movement, dementia. | Buildup of abnormal tau protein in certain areas of the brain. |
| Prostate Cancer | C61, 2C82 | Trouble urinating, weak urine stream, blood in semen. | Uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland. |
| Psoriasis | L40, EA90 | Red, scaly, itchy patches of skin; thickened nails. | Autoimmune condition; genetic predisposition, environmental triggers. |
| Psoriatic Arthritis | L40.5, FA30.2 | Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in people with psoriasis. | Autoimmune response attacking both skin and joints. |
| Psittacosis | A70, 1C41 | Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, dry cough. | Bacterial infection (Chlamydia psittaci) from infected birds. |
| Pseudomembranous Colitis | A04.7, 1B92.1 | Watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea. | Overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile bacteria, often after antibiotic use. |
| Pseudotumor Cerebri | G93.2, 8B22 | Severe headache, vision changes, ringing in ears. | High pressure inside the skull with no obvious cause. |
| Pulmonary Embolism | I26 | Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, cough (may be bloody). | Blood clot (usually from the leg) travels to and blocks an artery in the lungs. |
| Pulmonary Fibrosis | J84.1, CA02.0 | Shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue, clubbing of fingers. | Scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue; many causes are unknown. |
| Pulmonary Hypertension | I27.0, I27.2, BC00 | Shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pressure. | High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs and right side of the heart. |
| Pyelonephritis | N10, N12, GB01 | Fever, flank pain, nausea, vomiting, painful urination. | Bacterial infection of the kidney, often from an ascending UTI. |
| Pyoderma Gangrenosum | L88, EB10 | Painful, large sores or ulcers on the skin, often on the legs. | Unknown; often associated with autoimmune diseases like IBD. |
| Pyloric Stenosis | Q40.0 | Forceful (projectile) vomiting, persistent hunger, dehydration in infants. | Thickening of the muscle between the stomach and small intestine. |
Descriptions
Paget’s Disease of Bone
A chronic disorder that can result in enlarged and misshapen bones. Treatments include bisphosphonates and pain relievers to manage symptoms and reduce bone turnover.
Paget’s Disease of the Breast
A rare form of breast cancer affecting the nipple and areola. Treatment typically involves surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy) often followed by radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.
Pancreatic Cancer
A cancer with a typically poor prognosis as it is often diagnosed late. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Pancreatitis
Can be acute (sudden) or chronic (ongoing). Mild cases improve with supportive care (IV fluids, pain relief), while severe cases can be life-threatening and require hospitalization.
Panic Disorder
An anxiety disorder characterized by recurring, unexpected panic attacks. Treatment involves psychotherapy (CBT), and medication such as SSRIs to reduce attack frequency and severity.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
A mental health condition where individuals see others as threatening. Treatment is challenging but psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the primary approach.
Paratyphoid Fever
A bacterial infection similar to typhoid fever but generally less severe. It is treated effectively with antibiotics. Prevention includes vaccination and food safety.
Parkinson’s Disease
A progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement. Treatment involves medication (e.g., Levodopa) and therapy to manage symptoms. There is no cure, but quality of life can be improved.
Parvovirus B19 Infection
Also known as Fifth disease, this is a common and usually mild childhood illness. Treatment is supportive, focusing on rest and fever reduction. It’s usually self-resolving.
Patau Syndrome
A rare and severe genetic condition. Most infants do not survive past the first year of life. Care is focused on comfort and managing symptoms.
Pediculosis (Lice Infestation)
A common, treatable infestation. Treatment involves over-the-counter or prescription medicated shampoos, lotions, or oral medications, along with combing out nits and cleaning personal items.
Pellagra
A systemic disease that can be fatal if untreated. Treatment is simple and effective: niacin supplementation and a balanced diet.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
A serious infection of the female reproductive organs. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain.
Pemphigus Vulgaris
A rare, serious autoimmune disease. Treatment involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs to control the blistering and prevent infection. It requires long-term management.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach and upper small intestine. Treatment includes antibiotics for H. pylori and acid-reducing medications.
Pericarditis
Inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like tissue surrounding the heart. Treatment often involves pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs (like colchicine), and rest. Most cases are mild.
Periodontitis
A serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. Treatment includes professional cleaning, and sometimes surgery. Preventable with good hygiene.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
A common circulatory problem. Management includes lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, exercise), medication to lower cholesterol/blood pressure, and sometimes surgical procedures to restore blood flow.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Damage to the peripheral nerves. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms with pain medication, physical therapy, and other supportive measures.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
A highly contagious respiratory infection. It can be severe, especially in infants. Treatment involves antibiotics. Prevention through vaccination (DTaP) is highly effective and recommended.
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
An inherited disorder that puts people at a much higher risk for developing certain types of cancer. Management involves regular cancer screening and polyp removal.
Peyronie’s Disease
A condition that causes a significant bend to the penis, which can make intercourse painful or impossible. Treatments range from medication and injections to surgery.
Pheochromocytoma
A rare, usually benign tumor. If left untreated, it can cause severe or life-threatening high blood pressure. The primary treatment is surgery to remove the tumor.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
A rare genetic disorder diagnosed at birth via newborn screening. Lifelong management with a strict low-phenylalanine diet is essential to prevent severe brain damage.
Pinworm Infection
A very common and highly contagious intestinal worm infection, especially in children. It is easily treated with oral anti-parasite medication for the entire household.
Pityriasis Rosea
A common, harmless skin rash that typically lasts 6-8 weeks. It usually resolves on its own. Treatment is not necessary but anti-itch creams may help with symptoms.
Pityriasis Versicolor
A common fungal infection that is not contagious. It is easily treated with topical antifungal creams, lotions, or shampoos. The skin color may take months to return to normal.
Plague
A serious, potentially fatal infectious disease. It exists in bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic forms. Prompt treatment with specific antibiotics is critical for survival.
Plantar Fasciitis
A very common cause of heel pain. Treatment includes rest, ice, stretching exercises, and supportive footwear. Most cases improve with conservative therapy.
Plantar Wart
A common, benign skin growth. They can be painful. Treatments include over-the-counter remedies, cryotherapy (freezing), or minor surgical removal if persistent.
Pneumoconiosis
A group of occupational lung diseases, like Black Lung Disease or asbestosis. Damage is irreversible. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and preventing further exposure.
Pneumonia
An infection that inflames air sacs in the lungs. Treatment depends on the cause, often antibiotics for bacterial types. Can range from mild to life-threatening.
Pneumothorax
Also known as a collapsed lung. A small pneumothorax may heal on its own, but larger ones require a needle or chest tube to remove the excess air.
Poland Syndrome
A rare birth defect. It can also affect the hand, arm, and breast on the same side. Treatment may include reconstructive surgery for functional or cosmetic reasons.
Polio (Poliomyelitis)
A disabling and life-threatening disease that can cause irreversible paralysis. There is no cure, but it is preventable with the polio vaccine, which has nearly eradicated the disease globally.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and a leading cause of infertility. Management includes lifestyle changes and medication to regulate periods and manage symptoms.
Polycythemia Vera
A slow-growing type of blood cancer. It increases the risk of blood clots. Treatment involves phlebotomy (blood removal) and medication to reduce red blood cell counts.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
An inflammatory disorder causing widespread aching and stiffness, primarily in older adults. It is treated effectively with low-dose corticosteroids, which provide rapid relief.
Polymyositis
A rare inflammatory disease. It can make it difficult to climb stairs, stand up, or lift objects. Treatment involves corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and physical therapy.
Porphyria
A group of rare disorders. Attacks can be triggered by medications, dieting, or sun exposure. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and avoiding triggers.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
A complex disorder where concussion symptoms linger. Treatment is focused on managing individual symptoms, such as pain relievers for headaches, and includes rest and therapy.
Post-herpetic Neuralgia
A common complication of shingles. The pain can be severe and debilitating. Treatment includes pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications to calm damaged nerves.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event. Effective treatments include trauma-focused psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications like SSRIs.
Postpartum Depression
A serious mood disorder that is more intense and longer-lasting than the “baby blues”. Treatment with psychotherapy and/or antidepressants is highly effective.
Prader-Willi Syndrome
A rare genetic condition affecting appetite, growth, and metabolism. There is no cure. Management involves strict diet supervision and growth hormone therapy.
Preeclampsia
A serious pregnancy complication that can be dangerous for both mother and baby. The only cure is delivery. Management involves close monitoring and medication to lower blood pressure.
Presbyopia
A normal part of aging, usually becoming noticeable in the early to mid-40s. It is easily corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, or contact lenses.
Pressure Ulcer (Bedsore)
Also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers. They can range from red skin to deep wounds. Treatment involves relieving pressure, cleaning the wound, and managing pain.
Priapism
A medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage to the penis. Treatment may involve draining blood or using medication to restrict blood flow.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis
A chronic liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis. There is no cure, but medications like ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can slow disease progression and manage symptoms.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
A condition where glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, leading to high calcium levels. The most common treatment is surgery to remove the overactive gland(s).
Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)
A rare neuromuscular disease similar to, but slower progressing than, ALS. It is not fatal but can be severely disabling. Treatment is supportive, focusing on physical and speech therapy.
Primary Peritoneal Cancer
A rare cancer similar to ovarian cancer in symptoms, appearance, and treatment. It is typically treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
A progressive liver disease often associated with inflammatory bowel disease. There is no cure. A liver transplant may be an option for advanced disease.
Prion Diseases
A family of rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorders (like CJD). There is no cure or effective treatment. Care is supportive and focuses on comfort.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
A rare, progressive brain disorder that affects movement, balance, vision, and speech. There is no cure; treatment focuses on managing symptoms with medication and therapy.
Prostate Cancer
One of the most common cancers in men. It is often slow-growing. Treatment options include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.
Psoriasis
A chronic autoimmune disease causing rapid skin cell buildup. Treatments include topical creams, light therapy, and systemic medications. It is not contagious but can impact quality of life.
Psoriatic Arthritis
A type of inflammatory arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent joint damage. Treatments include NSAIDs, DMARDs, and biologic agents.
Psittacosis
Also known as parrot fever. It’s a rare infection. Humans usually contract it by inhaling dust from the feathers or droppings of infected birds. It is treatable with antibiotics.
Pseudomembranous Colitis
Inflammation of the colon that is a common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Treatment involves stopping the inciting antibiotic and starting one that targets C. difficile.
Pseudotumor Cerebri
Also called Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, it mimics a brain tumor. It primarily affects overweight women of childbearing age. Treatment focuses on weight loss and medication to reduce pressure.
Pulmonary Embolism
A life-threatening medical emergency. Prompt treatment with blood thinners (anticoagulants) and other clot-dissolving medications is critical to break down the clot and prevent new ones.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
A progressive lung disease where lung tissue becomes scarred over time, making breathing difficult. Treatment, including medication and oxygen therapy, can ease symptoms but not reverse damage.
Pulmonary Hypertension
A serious condition that gets worse over time. There is no cure, but treatments such as medications and oxygen therapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Pyelonephritis
A serious type of urinary tract infection (UTI). It requires prompt treatment with antibiotics to prevent kidney damage or the infection spreading to the bloodstream.
Pyoderma Gangrenosum
A rare, inflammatory skin disease. It is not an infection. Treatment involves corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs to control the inflammation and promote healing.
Pyloric Stenosis
A condition in infants that blocks food from entering the small intestine. It requires corrective surgery (pyloromyotomy), which is highly successful.