PND
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Postnasal drip |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Medical |
PND has three meanings. The most common are Postnasal drip (ophthalmology & ENT) and Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (respiratory); it can also stand for Postnatal depression.
Meanings of PND at a glance
| # | PND stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Postnasal drip | Medical › Ophthalmology & ENT |
| 2 | Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea | Medical › Respiratory |
| 3 | Postnatal depression | Medical › Mental Health & Psychiatry |
1. Postnasal drip
Medical · Ophthalmology & ENT Abbreviations
Sensation of mucus draining from the back of the nose into the throat, causing throat clearing, cough and sore throat. It is a common feature of allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and colds.
Example: Chronic cough with PND, cobblestoning of posterior pharynx; trial of intranasal steroid.
Chest physicians now call cough from this mechanism upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), one of the three most common causes of chronic cough along with asthma and reflux. Treatment targets the underlying nasal condition. In cardiology PND means paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and in maternity care postnatal depression.
2. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Medical · Respiratory Abbreviations
Sudden episodes of severe breathlessness that wake a person from sleep, typically one to two hours after lying down, relieved by sitting upright or standing. It is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure.
Example: Reports PND three nights this week and now sleeps on three pillows; BNP pending.
PND results from fluid shifting from the legs into the circulation when lying flat, combined with reduced breathing drive during sleep, causing fluid to collect in the lungs. It is more specific for heart failure than orthopnea alone. In ear, nose and throat practice PND usually means postnasal drip, a common cause of chronic cough.
3. Postnatal depression
Medical · Mental Health & Psychiatry Abbreviations
British and Commonwealth term for postpartum depression, used by the NHS, health visitors and NICE guidance. It covers depression developing in the year after giving birth, assessed with tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
Example: Health visitor referral: EPDS 15 at 8 weeks, PND suspected, GP review this week.
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was developed in Scotland and published in 1987. Fathers can also experience postnatal depression. In cardiology and respiratory medicine PND means paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, sudden breathlessness at night, so the setting makes the meaning clear.
Related abbreviations
More ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations
- PACG – Primary angle-closure glaucoma
- PCO – Posterior capsule opacification
- PD – Pupillary distance
- PDR – Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- POAG – Primary open-angle glaucoma
- PRP – Panretinal photocoagulation
- PTA – Peritonsillar abscess
- PVD – Posterior vitreous detachment
See all 74 ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations →
More respiratory abbreviations
- PFT – Pulmonary function test
- PH – Pulmonary hypertension
- PIP – Peak inspiratory pressure
- PNA – Pneumonia
- Pplat – Plateau pressure
- PRVC – Pressure-regulated volume control
- PSG – Polysomnography
- PSV – Pressure support ventilation
See all 109 respiratory abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.