Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «W»:
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Waardenburg syndrome
Waardenburg syndrome is a group of inherited conditions characterized by deafness and partial albinism (pale skin, hair, and eye color).
Causes
Waardenburg syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, meaning only one parent has to pass on the faulty gene for a child to be affected.
There ...
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Walking abnormalities
Walking abnormalities are unusual and uncontrollable walk patterns, usually caused by diseases or injuries to the legs, feet, brain, spine, or inner ear.
Considerations
The pattern of how a person walks is called their gait. Many different types of walking abnormalities are produced unconsciousl...
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Wart removal
Question:
Can warts be safely removed without seeing a dermatologist?
Answer:
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications containing salicylic acid are often effective in removing warts. These medications are usually a liquid that can be painted onto the wart, or a pad that is placed over the wart. An OTC de...
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Wart remover poisoning
Wart removers are medicines used to eliminate warts, which are small, usually painless growths on the skin caused by a virus. Wart remover poisoning occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows or uses more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
This is for informati...
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Warts
Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). They are generally harmless. However, warts can be disfiguring and embarrassing, and occasionally they itch or hurt (particularly on the feet).
The different types of warts include:
Common wa...
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Wasp sting
This article describes the effects of a wasp sting.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Se...
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Water in diet
Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. It is the basis for the fluids of the body.
Function
Water makes up more than two-thirds of the weight of the human body. Without water, humans would die in a few days. All the cells and organs need water to function.
Water serves as a lubricant and is...
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Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is adrenal gland failure due to bleeding into the adrenal gland. It is caused by severe meningococcal infection or other severe, bacterial infection.
Symptoms include acute adrenal gland insufficiency and profound shock. It is deadly if not treated immediately.
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Watery eyes
Watery eyes occur when there is too much tear production or poor drainage of the tear duct.
Causes
Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of the eye and to wash away particles and foreign bodies.
Causes of watery eyes include:
Allergy to mold, dander, dust
Blepharitis
Blockage of the t...
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Wax blockage
Wax blockage is an obstruction of the ear canal with wax (cerumen).
Causes
The ear canal is lined with hair follicles and glands that produce a waxy oil called cerumen.
Ear wax protects the ear by trapping dust, bacteria and other microorganisms, and other foreign particles to prevent them from ent...
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WBC count
A WBC count is a blood test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs).
White blood cells help fight infections. They are also called leukocytes. There are five major types of white blood cells:
Basophils
Eosinophils
Lymphocytes (T cells and B cells)
Monocytes
Neutrophils
See also: Blood ...
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WBC scan
A white blood cell (WBC) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for areas of infection or inflammation in the body.
See also: Nuclear scan
How the Test is Performed
Blood will be taken from one of your veins. White blood cells are separated from the res...
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Weakness
Weakness is a reduction in the strength of one or more muscles.
Considerations
Weakness may be generalized (total body weakness) or localized to only one area, side of the body, limb, or muscle. Weakness is more notable when it is localized. Localized weakness may follow a stroke, flare up of multi...
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Webbing of the fingers or toes
Webbing of the fingers and toes is called syndactyly. It refers to the connection of two or more fingers or toes. Webbing usually only involves a skin connection between the two areas, but in rare cases may involve the connection (fusion) of bones.ÂÂ
Considerations
Syndactyly may be discove...
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Wegener’s granulomatosis
Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare disorder in which blood vessels become inflamed, making it hard for blood to flow.
Causes
Wegener's granulomatosis mainly affects blood vessels in the nose, sinuses, ears, lungs, and kidneys, although other areas may be involved.
The cause is unknown. It is though...
