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Persistent CoughCommon Symptoms · Respiratory
Recommended Care
Steam & Medical Checkup
Preparation & Use
Inhale steam twice daily. Drink warm fluids. If cough lasts more than 2 weeks, get a Chest X-ray to rule out TB or other issues.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Long cough needs diagnosis.
When to See Doctor
If cough lasts more than 2-3 weeks, especially with weight loss or night sweats.
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Personality DisorderA–Z Health · Mental Wellness
Recommended Care
Psychotherapy (DBT/CBT)
Preparation & Use
Seek long-term therapy. Learn coping skills for emotions. Join support groups.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Needs professional psychiatric care.
When to See Doctor
Patterns causing distress in work/relationships.
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Pertussis (Whooping Cough)A–Z Health · Infectious Disease
Recommended Care
Antibiotics & Isolation
Preparation & Use
Take prescribed antibiotics. Isolate from others. Keep air moist. Small frequent feeds for babies.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Highly contagious. Dangerous for infants.
When to See Doctor
'Whoop' sound after coughing, vomiting after cough, or blue lips.
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PharyngitisA–Z Health · ENT Health
Recommended Care
Salt Water Gargle & Warm Fluids
Preparation & Use
Gargle with warm salt water 3 times daily. Drink warm honey-lemon water. Rest voice.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. CAUTION: If bacterial, needs antibiotics.
When to See Doctor
High fever, white patches on tonsils, or difficulty breathing.
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Phenylalanine TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood TestUrgent information
Test Purpose & Procedure
Measures phenylalanine (an amino acid found in protein) in the blood. High levels indicate phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder where the body cannot break down this amino acid. It is routinely done as a newborn screening via a heel prick.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE routine test.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If levels are elevated in a newborn, consult a pediatric metabolic specialist immediately to start a special diet and prevent brain damage.
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PhimosisA–Z Health · Men's Health
Recommended Care
Gentle Stretching & Steroid Cream
Preparation & Use
Apply prescribed steroid cream. Gently stretch foreskin during bath. Do not force it.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Forcing can cause tearing. Surgery may be needed.
When to See Doctor
Pain, swelling, or inability to urinate properly.
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Phosphorus Test (Serum)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure
Measures serum phosphorus (a mineral that works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth, and helps produce energy). Fasting may be required. A standard blood draw is performed.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE routine test.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If levels are abnormal, consult your doctor to check for kidney disease, bone disorders, or vitamin D deficiency.
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PhotophobiaA–Z Health · Eye Health / Neurological
Recommended Care
Sunglasses & Dark Room
Preparation & Use
Wear UV-protection sunglasses outdoors. Rest in dim room. Treat underlying cause (migraine/infection).
Safety & Precautions
SAFE symptom management.
When to See Doctor
Sudden onset, with headache, or eye redness.
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PicaA–Z Health · Nutritional / Mental
Recommended Care
Iron/Zinc Supplement & Counseling
Preparation & Use
Check for anemia. Take supplements if deficient. Behavioral therapy to stop habit.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Can cause intestinal blockage/poisoning.
When to See Doctor
Persistent craving for non-food items.
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Piles (Hemorrhoids)A–Z Health · Digestive Health
Recommended Care
Warm Sitz Bath & Fiber
Preparation & Use
Sit in warm water for 15 mins. Eat high-fiber foods (fruits/veggies). Drink plenty of water to keep stool soft.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE conservative care. CAUTION: Avoid straining during motion.
When to See Doctor
Heavy bleeding, severe pain, or lump outside anus.
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Pimples (Acne)A–Z Health · Skin Health
Recommended Care
Aloe Vera Gel
Preparation & Use
Apply fresh aloe gel on clean face before bed. Wash off in morning. Do not squeeze pimples.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE external use. CAUTION: Test on small area first.
When to See Doctor
Deep painful lumps, widespread redness, or scarring.
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Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure
Measures PlGF (a protein produced by the placenta during pregnancy). Low levels can indicate poor placental development and an increased risk of preeclampsia (a dangerous pregnancy condition involving high blood pressure). No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE routine test.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Discuss the results with your obstetrician to monitor pregnancy health and manage blood pressure if risks are identified.
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Plantar FasciitisA–Z Health · Musculoskeletal Health
Recommended Care
Stretching & Supportive Shoes
Preparation & Use
Stretch calf and foot before getting out of bed. Wear shoes with good arch support.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE conservative care.
When to See Doctor
Severe pain preventing walking or no improvement after rest.
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Platelet CountDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure
Measures the number of platelets (tiny cell fragments in the blood that help it clot) in a microliter of blood. It is part of a standard Complete Blood Count (CBC). No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE routine test.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the count is too low (thrombocytopenia) or too high (thrombocytosis), consult your doctor to investigate the cause and prevent bleeding or clotting risks.
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Platelet Function TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure
Measures how well platelets (the blood cells responsible for clotting) clump together to stop bleeding. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications (like aspirin) for a week before the test. A standard blood draw is performed.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE routine test.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If results are abnormal, consult a hematologist to investigate unexplained bruising, bleeding disorders, or to monitor antiplatelet medication therapy.
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PleurisyA–Z Health · Respiratory Health
Recommended Care
Rest & Pain Relief
Preparation & Use
Rest. Take prescribed anti-inflammatories. Lie on painful side to reduce movement.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Needs diagnosis for underlying cause (TB/Pneumonia).
When to See Doctor
Sharp chest pain when breathing, fever, or cough.
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PneumoniaA–Z Health · Respiratory Health / Infectious
Recommended Care
Medical Treatment & Rest
Preparation & Use
Take prescribed antibiotics. Rest completely. Drink warm fluids. Use steam inhalation for comfort.
Safety & Precautions
CRITICAL: Can be life-threatening. Needs doctor’s care.
When to See Doctor
High fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood.
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Poisoning (Swallowed)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Identify & Call Help
Preparation & Use
Find out what they swallowed and how much. Call emergency services or poison control immediately. Do NOT induce (cause) vomiting or give them milk/water unless a medical professional tells you to, as some chemicals burn more on the way back up.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Wrong first aid can cause severe internal burns.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call for medical help and keep the container of the poison handy.
My Reading Checklist
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