Internal Medicine Abbreviations

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Internal Medicine Alphabet – P

S. No	Abbreviation	Full Form	Short Explanation	Practical Example
P001	PA	Pulmonary Artery	Major vessel carrying deoxygenated blood from right ventricle to lungs.	Enlarged in pulmonary hypertension.
P002	PAC	Premature Atrial Contraction	Early heartbeat originating from atria.	Detected on ECG in arrhythmia workup.
P003	PAD	Peripheral Artery Disease	Narrowing of arteries in limbs causing ischemia.	Claudication in diabetic patients.
P004	PAH	Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension	High blood pressure in lung arteries.	Treated with endothelin receptor antagonists.
P005	PAI-1	Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1	Protein that inhibits fibrinolysis.	Elevated in metabolic syndrome.
P006	PAL	Physical Activity Level	Measurement of daily energy expenditure.	Used in obesity counseling.
P007	PAM	Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis	Rare lung disease with calcium deposits.	Diagnosed on chest X-ray.
P008	PAN	Polyarteritis Nodosa	Necrotizing vasculitis affecting medium arteries.	Causes abdominal pain, hypertension.
P009	PAP	Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis	Disorder with surfactant accumulation in lungs.	Treated with whole lung lavage.
P010	PAR	Protease-Activated Receptor	Receptor activated by thrombin & other proteases.	Studied in clotting disorders.
P011	PAS	Pulmonary Artery Stenosis	Narrowing of pulmonary artery.	Detected by echocardiography.
P012	PAT	Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia	Sudden-onset atrial arrhythmia.	Treated with adenosine or ablation.
P013	PB	Phenobarbital	Barbiturate used for seizures.	Emergency use in status epilepticus.
P014	PBC	Primary Biliary Cholangitis	Autoimmune liver disease destroying bile ducts.	Treated with ursodeoxycholic acid.
P015	PBD	Polycystic Brain Disease	Rare congenital brain disorder.	Diagnosed by neuroimaging.
P016	PBF	Pulmonary Blood Flow	Circulation of blood through lungs.	Measured in cardiac catheterization.
P017	PBMC	Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell	Immune cells isolated from blood.	Used in immunology research.
P018	PBP	Penicillin-Binding Protein	Bacterial enzyme target of β-lactam antibiotics.	Resistance occurs via altered PBPs.
P019	PBS	Phosphate-Buffered Saline	Solution for biological research.	Used to wash cells in lab.
P020	PBT	Proton Beam Therapy	Cancer treatment using protons.	Used for brain tumors.
P021	PC	Protein C	Anticoagulant protein regulating clotting.	Deficiency causes thrombosis.
P022	PCA	Patient-Controlled Analgesia	Pain relief method where patient controls opioid dosing.	Common in post-op care.
P023	PCI	Percutaneous Coronary Intervention	Procedure to open blocked coronary arteries.	Includes angioplasty + stenting.
P024	PCL	Posterior Cruciate Ligament	Knee ligament for joint stability.	Injured in sports trauma.
P025	PCM	Paracetamol	Analgesic and antipyretic drug.	First-line for fever.
P026	PCNL	Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy	Procedure to remove kidney stones.	Used in large calculi cases.
P027	PCO	Polycystic Ovary	Multiple cysts in ovaries seen on ultrasound.	Part of PCOS diagnosis.
P028	PCOS	Polycystic Ovary Syndrome	Endocrine disorder with irregular cycles, hirsutism, infertility.	Treated with metformin, OCPs.
P029	PCP	Primary Care Physician / Phencyclidine	Either a healthcare provider OR hallucinogenic drug.	Family doctor / substance abuse context.
P030	PCR	Polymerase Chain Reaction	DNA amplification technique.	Used for infectious disease diagnosis.
P031	PCS	Post-Concussion Syndrome	Symptoms persisting after head injury.	Includes headache, dizziness.
P032	PCSK9	Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9	Enzyme regulating LDL metabolism.	Target of lipid-lowering drugs.
P033	PCT	Procalcitonin	Biomarker for bacterial infection.	Guides antibiotic therapy.
P034	PCV	Packed Cell Volume	Hematocrit, measure of RBC proportion.	Used in anemia assessment.
P035	PD	Parkinson’s Disease	Neurodegenerative disorder with tremor, rigidity.	Treated with levodopa.
P036	PDA	Patent Ductus Arteriosus	Congenital heart defect with persistent fetal vessel.	Closed with indomethacin or surgery.
P037	PDD	Pervasive Developmental Disorder	Group of neurodevelopmental disorders.	Includes autism spectrum.
P038	PDE	Phosphodiesterase	Enzyme that breaks down cAMP/cGMP.	Target of drugs like sildenafil.
P039	PDH	Pyruvate Dehydrogenase	Enzyme linking glycolysis to Krebs cycle.	Deficiency causes lactic acidosis.
P040	PDL	Periodontal Ligament	Connective tissue between tooth and alveolar bone.	Important in dentistry.
P041	PDL1	Programmed Death Ligand 1	Immune checkpoint protein.	Target of cancer immunotherapy.
P042	PDR	Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy	Advanced diabetic eye disease with neovascularization.	Requires laser photocoagulation.
P043	PE	Pulmonary Embolism	Blood clot blocking lung artery.	Diagnosed with CT pulmonary angiogram.
P044	PEA	Pulseless Electrical Activity	Cardiac arrest with ECG activity but no pulse.	Treated with CPR, epinephrine.
P045	PEEP	Positive End-Expiratory Pressure	Ventilator setting preventing alveolar collapse.	Used in ARDS management.
P046	PEG	Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy	Tube placed into stomach for feeding.	Used in dysphagia patients.
P047	PEI	Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency	Inability to digest food due to enzyme deficiency.	Managed with enzyme supplements.
P048	PEM	Protein-Energy Malnutrition	Severe form of malnutrition.	Seen in children in poor regions.
P049	PEP	Post-Exposure Prophylaxis	Preventive treatment after infection exposure.	Given after HIV exposure.
P050	PER	Period	Duration of one cycle in physiology.	Used in circadian rhythm studies.

S. No	Abbreviation	Full Form	Short Explanation	Practical Example
P051	PET	Positron Emission Tomography	Imaging technique using radioactive tracers.	Used in cancer and neurology diagnostics.
P052	PEW	Protein-Energy Wasting	Loss of muscle and fat in chronic illness.	Seen in CKD patients on dialysis.
P053	PF	Pulmonary Fibrosis	Lung scarring causing respiratory insufficiency.	Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis.
P054	PFC	Perfluorocarbon	Compound used in experimental oxygen therapy.	Studied in ARDS management.
P055	PFO	Patent Foramen Ovale	Congenital heart defect with persistent atrial opening.	Risk factor for stroke.
P056	PFT	Pulmonary Function Test	Tests lung function and capacity.	Includes spirometry, diffusion tests.
P057	PG	Prostaglandin	Lipid compounds involved in inflammation and vasodilation.	Used in labor induction (PGE2).
P058	PGE2	Prostaglandin E2	Specific prostaglandin involved in inflammation & labor.	Used in cervical ripening.
P059	PH	Pulmonary Hypertension	High blood pressure in pulmonary arteries.	Can be primary or secondary.
P060	PHE	Phenylalanine	Amino acid, high levels cause PKU.	Monitored in newborn screening.
P061	PHN	Post-Herpetic Neuralgia	Nerve pain after shingles.	Treated with gabapentin or pregabalin.
P062	PI	Pancreatic Insufficiency / Protease Inhibitor	Either pancreatic enzyme deficiency or antiviral drug class.	CF patients / HIV therapy.
P063	PICC	Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter	Long-term IV access line.	Used for chemotherapy or antibiotics.
P064	PID	Pelvic Inflammatory Disease	Infection of female reproductive organs.	Caused by Chlamydia or Gonorrhea.
P065	PIP	Proximal Interphalangeal Joint	Middle joint of fingers.	Common site of osteoarthritis.
P066	PJP	Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia	Opportunistic pneumonia in immunocompromised.	Common in HIV/AIDS patients.
P067	PK	Pharmacokinetics	Study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion.	Guides dosing regimens.
P068	PKU	Phenylketonuria	Genetic disorder causing phenylalanine accumulation.	Requires low-protein diet.
P069	PL	Platelet	Blood cell involved in clotting.	Low in thrombocytopenia.
P070	PLA2	Phospholipase A2	Enzyme involved in inflammation.	Studied in atherosclerosis.
P071	PLC	Primary Liver Cancer / Phospholipase C	Liver malignancy OR signaling enzyme.	Hepatocellular carcinoma; cell signaling studies.
P072	PLT	Platelet Count	Number of platelets in blood.	Used in bleeding disorder workup.
P073	PM	Progressive Myopathy	Muscle disease that worsens over time.	Muscular dystrophies.
P074	PMN	Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte	Type of white blood cell.	Key in bacterial infection response.
P075	PMR	Polymyalgia Rheumatica	Inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain & stiffness.	Treated with corticosteroids.
P076	PMS	Premenstrual Syndrome	Physical & emotional symptoms before menstruation.	Managed with lifestyle and meds.
P077	PND	Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea	Sudden nighttime shortness of breath.	Symptom of heart failure.
P078	PNH	Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria	Rare hemolytic anemia with hemoglobinuria.	Treated with eculizumab.
P079	PO	Per Oral	By mouth.	Medications given orally.
P080	POCT	Point-of-Care Testing	Bedside diagnostic testing.	Glucose monitoring in ICU.
P081	POMC	Proopiomelanocortin	Precursor protein for ACTH & MSH.	Studied in endocrine disorders.
P082	POP	Pelvic Organ Prolapse	Descent of pelvic organs.	Managed with surgery or pessary.
P083	POS	Persistent Organic Solvent	Environmental toxicology term.	Exposure studies.
P084	POTS	Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome	Autonomic disorder causing HR rise on standing.	Causes dizziness, palpitations.
P085	PPD	Purified Protein Derivative	Tuberculosis skin test antigen.	Used in Mantoux test.
P086	PPI	Proton Pump Inhibitor	Drug reducing gastric acid.	Omeprazole for GERD.
P087	PR	Per Rectum / Pulse Rate	Either rectal route or heartbeat measurement.	PR exam; pulse 72 bpm.
P088	PRBC	Packed Red Blood Cells	Blood product for transfusion.	Treats anemia.
P089	PRN	Pro Re Nata	As needed dosing.	Pain medication PRN.
P090	PSA	Prostate-Specific Antigen	Marker for prostate disease.	Monitored in prostate cancer.
P091	PSC	Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis	Chronic bile duct inflammation & fibrosis.	Risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
P092	PSD	Postsynaptic Density	Protein-rich region in neuron synapses.	Studied in neuroscience.
P093	PSE	Pseudoseizure	Psychogenic non-epileptic seizure.	Requires EEG for differentiation.
P094	PSI	Pneumonia Severity Index	Score predicting pneumonia outcomes.	Guides hospitalization decisions.
P095	PSS	Progressive Systemic Sclerosis	Autoimmune connective tissue disorder.	Also called systemic sclerosis.
P096	PST	Physiological Stress Test	Exercise or pharmacologic cardiac testing.	Evaluates ischemic heart disease.
P097	PT	Prothrombin Time	Blood clotting test.	Monitors warfarin therapy.
P098	PTA	Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty	Procedure to open narrowed vessels.	Coronary or peripheral arteries.
P099	PTCA	Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty	Coronary artery angioplasty.	Treats myocardial infarction.
P100	PTH	Parathyroid Hormone	Regulates calcium and phosphate.	Measured in hyperparathyroidism.
P101	PTLD	Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder	Lymphoid proliferation post-organ transplant.	EBV-associated complication.
P102	PTU	Propylthiouracil	Antithyroid medication.	Used in hyperthyroidism.
P103	PU	Peptic Ulcer	Mucosal ulceration in stomach or duodenum.	Managed with PPIs and H. pylori therapy.
P104	PUBS	Purple Urine Bag Syndrome	Rare urinary catheter complication.	Seen in chronic catheterized patients.
P105	PUD	Peptic Ulcer Disease	Disease causing gastric/duodenal ulcers.	Presents with epigastric pain.
P106	PUM	Pulmonary Microvascular	Small lung vessel network.	Studied in ARDS research.
P107	PV	Polycythemia Vera	Myeloproliferative disorder with RBC increase.	Treated with phlebotomy or hydroxyurea.
P108	PVC	Premature Ventricular Contraction	Early heartbeat from ventricles.	Seen on ECG in arrhythmia.
P109	PVD	Peripheral Vascular Disease	Blood vessel disease outside heart & brain.	Causes claudication.
P110	PVR	Pulmonary Vascular Resistance	Resistance in pulmonary arteries.	Measured in cardiac catheterization.
P111	PVL	Periventricular Leukomalacia	White matter brain injury in neonates.	Detected on neonatal MRI.
P112	PVR	Post-Void Residual	Amount of urine left after urination.	Assessed in bladder dysfunction.
P113	PVT	Portal Vein Thrombosis	Blood clot in portal vein.	Seen in cirrhosis or malignancy.
P114	PWB	Partial Weight Bearing	Rehabilitation instruction.	Used after orthopedic surgery.
P115	PWP	Pulmonary Wedge Pressure	Left atrial pressure measurement.	Assessed in heart failure.
P116	PWR	Pulse Wave Reflex	Cardiovascular physiology measurement.	Studied in hypertension.
P117	PX	Prophylaxis	Preventive treatment.	HIV post-exposure prophylaxis.
P118	PXA	Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma	Rare brain tumor.	Diagnosed via MRI and biopsy.
P119	PXR	Pregnane X Receptor	Nuclear receptor regulating drug metabolism.	Studied in pharmacology.
P120	PY	Pyelonephritis	Kidney infection.	Presents with fever, flank pain.
P121	PZA	Pyrazinamide	Anti-TB medication.	Part of TB regimen.
P122	PZQ	Praziquantel	Antiparasitic drug.	Treats schistosomiasis.
P123	PEEP	Positive End-Expiratory Pressure	Ventilator setting maintaining alveoli open.	ARDS management.
P124	PFH	Past Family History	Family disease history.	Helps in risk assessment.
P125	PHPT	Primary Hyperparathyroidism	Excess PTH production.	Causes hypercalcemia.
P126	PIH	Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension	High BP during pregnancy.	May progress to preeclampsia.
P127	PIN	Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia	Precancerous prostate lesion.	Graded on biopsy.
P128	PIP	Proximal Interphalangeal Joint	Finger joint.	Site of arthritis.
P129	PKD	Polycystic Kidney Disease	Genetic disorder with renal cysts.	Can lead to renal failure.
P130	PLR	Pupillary Light Reflex	Eye response to light.	Assesses cranial nerve function.
P131	PMT	Pacemaker	Device regulating heart rhythm.	Implanted for bradycardia.
P132	PN	Parenteral Nutrition	Nutrients given IV.	Used in patients unable to eat orally.
P133	PND	Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea	Nighttime shortness of breath.	Symptom of heart failure.
P134	PO	Per Oral	By mouth.	Medication administration route.
P135	POAG	Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma	Common glaucoma type.	Managed with eye drops.
P136	POD	Postoperative Day	Day after surgery.	Used in patient charting.
P137	POMR	Problem-Oriented Medical Record	Medical record organized by problems.	Used in hospitals.
P138	PPD	Purified Protein Derivative	TB test antigen.	Mantoux test.
P139	PPI	Proton Pump Inhibitor	Gastric acid reducing drug.	Omeprazole for GERD.
P140	PR	Per Rectum / Pulse Rate	Rectal route or heart rate.	PR exam; pulse 70 bpm.
P141	PRBC	Packed Red Blood Cells	Blood transfusion product.	Treats severe anemia.
P142	PRN	Pro Re Nata	As needed dosing.	Pain meds PRN.
P143	PSA	Prostate-Specific Antigen	Prostate marker.	Monitored for cancer.
P144	PSVT	Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia	Rapid heartbeat from atria.	Treated with adenosine.
P145	PT	Prothrombin Time	Clotting test.	Monitors warfarin therapy.
P146	PTCA	Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty	Coronary procedure.	Treats MI.
P147	PTH	Parathyroid Hormone	Calcium regulation.	Hyperparathyroidism diagnosis.
P148	PTLD	Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder	Post-transplant lymphoid proliferation.	EBV-related complication.
P149	PTU	Propylthiouracil	Antithyroid drug.	Hyperthyroidism management.
P150	PUO	Pyrexia of Unknown Origin	Fever with unclear cause.	Investigated in hospital.
P151	PUD	Peptic Ulcer Disease	Gastric/duodenal ulceration.	Presents with epigastric pain.
P152	PVR	Pulmonary Vascular Resistance	Pulmonary circulation resistance.	Measured in cardiac catheterization.
P153	PVRI	Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Index	Normalized PVR by body surface area.	Hemodynamic studies.
P154	PVT	Portal Vein Thrombosis	Clot in portal vein.	Complication in cirrhosis.
P155	PWB	Partial Weight Bearing	Rehab instruction.	Post-fracture recovery.
P156	PWP	Pulmonary Wedge Pressure	Measures left atrial pressure.	Heart failure assessment.
P157	PXE	Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum	Genetic disorder of connective tissue.	Causes skin and retinal changes.
P158	PY	Pyelonephritis	Kidney infection.	Presents with flank pain.
P159	PZA	Pyrazinamide	TB drug.	Part of TB therapy.
P160	PZQ	Praziquantel	Antiparasitic drug.	Treats schistosomiasis.
P161	PEEP	Positive End-Expiratory Pressure	Ventilator setting.	Used in ARDS.
P162	PF	Pulmonary Fibrosis	Lung scarring disease.	Causes dyspnea.
P163	PH	Pulmonary Hypertension	High pressure in lung arteries.	Treated with vasodilators.
P164	PI	Protease Inhibitor	Drug class in HIV.	Lopinavir/ritonavir.
P165	PFT	Pulmonary Function Test	Lung function assessment.	Spirometry.
P166	PG	Prostaglandin	Lipid mediator.	PGE2 for labor induction.
P167	PK	Pharmacokinetics	Drug absorption/metabolism study.	Guides dosing.
P168	PKU	Phenylketonuria	Genetic metabolic disorder.	Managed with diet.
P169	PLR	Pupillary Light Reflex	Eye response to light.	Neurological exam.
P170	PMN	Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte	Neutrophils.	Infection marker.
P171	PMR	Polymyalgia Rheumatica	Muscle pain & stiffness.	Responds to corticosteroids.
P172	PND	Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea	Nighttime dyspnea.	Heart failure symptom.
P173	PO	Per Oral	By mouth administration.	Oral medications.
P174	POAG	Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma	Glaucoma type.	Monitored with eye exam.
P175	POD	Postoperative Day	Day after surgery.	Used in charts.
P176	POMR	Problem-Oriented Medical Record	Organized by patient problems.	Hospital documentation.
P177	PPD	Purified Protein Derivative	TB test antigen.	Mantoux test.
P178	PPI	Proton Pump Inhibitor	Acid-suppressing drug.	Omeprazole for GERD.
P179	PR	Per Rectum / Pulse Rate	Rectal exam or heart rate.	PR exam; pulse 70 bpm.
P180	PRBC	Packed Red Blood Cells	Blood transfusion product.	Treats anemia.
P181	PRN	Pro Re Nata	As-needed dosing.	Pain meds PRN.
P182	PSA	Prostate-Specific Antigen	Prostate cancer marker.	Screening test.
P183	PSVT	Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia	Rapid atrial rhythm.	Treated with adenosine.
P184	PT	Prothrombin Time	Clotting assessment.	Monitors warfarin therapy.
P185	PTCA	Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty	Coronary artery opening procedure.	Treats MI.
P186	PTH	Parathyroid Hormone	Calcium regulation.	Hyperparathyroidism evaluation.
P187	PTLD	Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder	Post-transplant lymphoid proliferation.	EBV-associated.
P188	PTU	Propylthiouracil	Antithyroid medication.	Hyperthyroidism treatment.
P189	PUO	Pyrexia of Unknown Origin	Fever with unknown cause.	Investigated in hospital.
P190	PUD	Peptic Ulcer Disease	Gastric or duodenal ulcers.	Epigastric pain, endoscopy.
P191	PVR	Pulmonary Vascular Resistance	Lung circulation resistance.	Measured in cardiac catheterization.
P192	PVT	Portal Vein Thrombosis	Clot in portal vein.	Seen in cirrhosis.
P193	PWB	Partial Weight Bearing	Rehab instruction.	Post-fracture recovery.
P194	PWP	Pulmonary Wedge Pressure	Measures left atrial pressure.	Heart failure assessment.
P195	PXE	Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum	Genetic connective tissue disorder.	Skin and retinal changes.
P196	PY	Pyelonephritis	Kidney infection.	Flank pain, fever.
P197	PZA	Pyrazinamide	TB treatment drug.	Part of TB regimen.
P198	PZQ	Praziquantel	Antiparasitic drug.	Treats schistosomiasis.
P199	PE	Pulmonary Embolism	Blood clot in lung.	Diagnosed with CT pulmonary angiogram.
P200	PCI	Percutaneous Coronary Intervention	Opens blocked coronary arteries.	Stent placement in MI.