Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

paracentric chromosome inversion
See 
chro-
mosome inversion, pericentric.
paracetamol
See 
acetaminophen.
paradoxical embolism
See 
embolism, para-
doxical.
paraffin dip
A treatment for the symptoms of
joint and muscle conditions, such as arthritis, that
involves applying melted mineral wax derived from
petroleum to a body area. Paraffin dips can be espe-
cially helpful in relieving the pain and stiffness of
arthritis involving the small joints of the hands. The
hands are repeatedly dipped into the melted, warm
wax, and the wax is allowed to cool and harden
around the sore joints. The paraffin is then peeled
off and can be remelted in the bath for repeated use.
Also known as wax dip.
paragonimiasis
Infection with the trematode
(parasitic worm) Paragonimus, most commonly
with Paragonimus westermani, the oriental lung
fluke. Human infection with P. westermani occurs
by eating inadequately cooked or pickled crab or
crayfish that harbor the parasite. The parasites pen-
etrate through the intestinal wall into the peritoneal
cavity, then through the abdominal wall and
diaphragm into the lungs, where they become
encapsulated and develop into adults. The worms
can also reach other organs and tissues, such as the
brain and muscles. Extrapulmonary locations of the
adult worms result in more severe manifestations,
especially when the brain is involved. Treatment
with Praziquantel cures the majority of lung
infections.
parainfluenza
A disease due to an acute respi-
ratory infection caused by a parainfluenza virus.
Parainfluenza usually occurs in children. The clini-
cal picture can range from a relatively mild
influenza-like illness to bronchitis, croup, and
pneumonia.
paralysis
Loss of voluntary movement (motor
function). Paralysis that affects only one muscle or
limb is partial paralysis, also known as palsy; paral-
ysis of all muscles is total paralysis, as may occur in
cases of botulism.