Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"VHF" is more commonly referred to as "Hemorrhagic Fever" in the medical community. Hemorrhagic Fever
Also Known As: "Viral Hemorrhagic Fever"
A group of illnesses caused by several families of viruses. Typically, they damage the vascular system and the body's ability to regulate itself. Some types involve mild illness, but many involve life-threatening disease. More Information on Hemorrhagic Fever: Tropical Disease
"VHL" is more commonly referred to as "Von Hippel Lindau Disease" in the medical community. Von Hippel Lindau Disease
Also Known As: "Angiomatosis"
A genetic multi-system disorder marked by the abnormal growth of tumors in certain parts of the body. Some tumors are benign, while others may be cancerous. Treatment depends on the nature, size and location of the tumor. More Information on Von Hippel Lindau Disease: Birth & Genetic Disorders
"Vibration Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome" in the medical community. Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Also Known As: "HAVS, Vibratory Syndrome"
Disorder caused by prolonged exposure to vibration, specifically to the hands and forearms while using vibrating tools. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, loss of sensitivity, pain, muscle weakness and fatigue in the arms, shoulders and fingers. More Information on Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome: Arm & Leg Pain
"Vibratory Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome" in the medical community. Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Also Known As: "HAVS, Vibration Syndrome"
Disorder caused by prolonged exposure to vibration, specifically to the hands and forearms while using vibrating tools. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, loss of sensitivity, pain, muscle weakness and fatigue in the arms, shoulders and fingers. More Information on Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome: Arm & Leg Pain
"Vibrio Cholerae Infection" is more commonly referred to as "Cholera" in the medical community. Cholera
Also Known As: "Cholera Infection, Cholera Disease"
An acute intestinal infection resulting from ingestion of contaminated water or food. Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting that may cause potentially fatal dehydration. More Information on Cholera: Tropical Disease
Also Known As: "Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Infection, V Parahaemolyticus"
Bacteria that live in brackish saltwater and causes gastrointestinal illness in humans who eat raw or undercooked shellfish. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. More Information on Vibrio Parahaemolyticus: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
Bacteria that live in brackish saltwater and causes gastrointestinal illness in humans who eat raw or undercooked shellfish. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. More Information on Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Infection: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
Bacteria that normally lives in warm seawater and belong to the genus Vibrio (called "halophilic" because they require salt). It is transmitted by eating contaminated seafood or exposing an open wound to seawater. More Information on Vibrio Vulnificus: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
Rare disorder marked by the failure of the muscle at the end of the esophagus to open upon swallowing. It causes fluid retention, aspiration, pain and spasms. More Information on Vigorous Achalasia: Digestive Health Basics
Tiny, hair-like projections on the small intestine that increase its surface area and allow for better absorption of nutrients. More Information on Villi: Digestive Health Basics
"Vincent's Infection" is more commonly referred to as "Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis" in the medical community. Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis
Also Known As: "Trench Mouth"
A painful gum infection that can cause fever or fatigue. It involves an overgrowth of mouth bacteria that may be triggered by poor oral hygiene, extreme stress and lack of sleep. It may progress to acute necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis (ANUP). More Information on Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis: Oral Infections
Behaviors that involve physical or psychological harm, including temper tantrums, physical and emotional aggression, fighting, threats or attempts to hurt others, use of weapons, cruelty toward animals, fire setting and vandalism. More Information on Violent Behavior: Emotional Health Basics
A brand of Cox 2 inhibitor, medications similar to NSAIDs but that should not cause stomach upset. It was withdrawn from the market in 2005. More Information on Vioxx: Heart Drug & Medication
"VIP" is more commonly referred to as "Induced Abortion" in the medical community. Induced Abortion
Also Known As: "Pregnancy Termination, Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy"
Planned termination of a zygote, embryo or fetus during pregnancy, as opposed to spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). Types include dilation and curettage (D&C), dilation and evacuation (D&E), suction and the pill RU486. More Information on Induced Abortion: Pregnancy Basics
"Viral Aseptic Meningitis" is more commonly referred to as "Meningitis" in the medical community. Meningitis
Also Known As: "Aseptic Meningitis, Bacterial Meningitis, Meningococcal Disease, Viral Meningitis"
An inflammation of the meninges (the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord) due to infection by bacteria, viruses or fungi. More Information on Meningitis: Brain Related Infections
"Viral Conjunctivitis" is more commonly referred to as "Pink Eye" in the medical community. Pink Eye
Also Known As: "Infectious Conjunctivitis, Bacterial Conjunctivitis"
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue lining the inside of the eyelid, that is caused by an infection. More Information on Pink Eye: Eye Conditions
Croup caused by a viral infection, making it easily contagious and not treatable with antibiotics. Most cases of croup are of this type. More Information on Viral Croup: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
"Viral Gastroenteritis" is more commonly referred to as "Intestinal Flu" in the medical community. Intestinal Flu
Also Known As: "Stomach Flu"
An infection of the stomach or intestines by a particular virus. Diarrhea is the most common symptom. The virus that causes this infection is not the same virus that causes influenza, or respiratory flu. More Information on Intestinal Flu: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
"Viral Hemorrhagic Fever" is more commonly referred to as "Hemorrhagic Fever" in the medical community. Hemorrhagic Fever
Also Known As: "VHF"
A group of illnesses caused by several families of viruses. Typically, they damage the vascular system and the body's ability to regulate itself. Some types involve mild illness, but many involve life-threatening disease. More Information on Hemorrhagic Fever: Tropical Disease
"Viral Labyrinthitis" is more commonly referred to as "Labyrinthitis" in the medical community. Labyrinthitis
Also Known As: "Bacterial Labyrinthitis"
Inflammation of the canals of the inner ear, usually due to bacterial or viral infection. Because the inner ear helps a person maintain balance, symptoms usually include dizziness and a sensation of spinning. More Information on Labyrinthitis: Ear Conditions
"Viral Meningitis" is more commonly referred to as "Meningitis" in the medical community. Meningitis
Also Known As: "Aseptic Meningitis, Bacterial Meningitis, Meningococcal Disease, Viral Aseptic Meningitis"
An inflammation of the meninges (the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord) due to infection by bacteria, viruses or fungi. More Information on Meningitis: Brain Related Infections
"Viral Pneumonia" is more commonly referred to as "Pneumonia" in the medical community. Pneumonia
Also Known As: "Irritant Pneumonia, Fungal Pneumonia, Allergic Pneumonia, Bacterial Pneumonia, Parasitic Pneumonia, Chemical Pneumonia"
Inflammation of the lungs with congestion that may be caused by infection (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites) or irritants (e.g., allergens, pollutants, chemicals). Common symptoms include fever, chills, coughing and/or difficulty breathing. More Information on Pneumonia: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
Signs of masculinization in a woman, including balding of head hair, deepened voice, enlarged clitoris and increased muscle mass. More Information on Virilization: ObGyn Signs & Symptoms
A medical procedure that involves using x-rays and computers to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the colon (large intestine). It is used to diagnose colon and bowel disease. More Information on Virtual Colonoscopy: Digestive Imaging Tests
Capable of causing disease by breaking down a host's protective mechanisms. It is used to describe pathogens. More Information on Virulent: Infectious Disease Basics
Simple infectious agent of plants, animals and bacteria that often causes disease. They are made up of a core of RNA or DNA surrounded by a protein coat and cannot replicate without a host cell. More Information on Virus: Infectious Disease Basics
"VISA" is more commonly referred to as "Vancomycin Intermediate Staphylococcus Aureus" in the medical community. Vancomycin Intermediate Staphylococcus Aureus
Also Known As: "VRSA, Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus"
Specific types of antimicrobial-resistant Staph bacteria that have developed resistance to the antimicrobial agent vancomycin. However, other drugs can be used to successfully treat these illnesses. More Information on Vancomycin Intermediate Staphylococcus Aureus: Infectious Disease Basics
"Visceral Larva Migrans" is more commonly referred to as "Toxocariasis" in the medical community. Toxocariasis
Also Known As: "Ocular Larva Migrans, Toxocara Canis, Toxocara Cati, Toxocara Infection, Covert Toxocariasis"
Infection caused by roundworms found in dog or cat intestines. Major forms are ocular larva migrans (OLM), an eye disease causes blindness; and visceral larva migrans (VLM), which causes swelling of the body's organs or central nervous system. More Information on Toxocariasis: Infectious Disease Basics
"Visceral Leishmaniasis" is more commonly referred to as "Leishmaniasis" in the medical community. Leishmaniasis
Also Known As: "Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Leishmania Infection, Kala Azar"
A parasitic disease spread by the bite of infected sand flies. There are several different forms, including cutaneous (causes skin sores) and visceral (affects some internal organs). More Information on Leishmaniasis: Parasitic Disease
"Visceral Nerve Damage" is more commonly referred to as "Autonomic Neuropathy" in the medical community. Autonomic Neuropathy
Also Known As: "Autonomic Nerve Damage, Visceral Neuropathy"
Involves damage to the autonomic nerves, which regulate the function of the internal organs, blood vessels, and other areas not under voluntary (purposeful) control. More Information on Autonomic Neuropathy: Neuropathy
"Visceral Neuropathy" is more commonly referred to as "Autonomic Neuropathy" in the medical community. Autonomic Neuropathy
Also Known As: "Autonomic Nerve Damage, Visceral Nerve Damage"
Involves damage to the autonomic nerves, which regulate the function of the internal organs, blood vessels, and other areas not under voluntary (purposeful) control. More Information on Autonomic Neuropathy: Neuropathy
Pain that is associated with damage to the internal organs (e.g. heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, reproductive organs). More Information on Visceral Pain: Pain Basics
A relatively new form of injection therapy used in the treatment of osteoarthritis (primarily of the knee). It involves injecting hyaluronic acid (a fluid naturally found in joints) into the joint to increase lubrication. More Information on Viscosupplementation: Arthritis
A standardized test with letters of different sizes on a chart. Vision acuity is measured by the smallest line of letters that can be seen clearly at 20 feet. Frequently, mirrors are used to make the chart appear 20 feet away. More Information on Vision Evaluation: Pediatric Hearing & Vision
Also Known As: "Cortical Visual Impairment, Blindness"
The gradual or sudden loss of the sense of sight. May be partial (vision impairment) or complete (blindness). More Information on Vision Loss: Neuro Signs & Symptoms
The gradual or sudden loss of the sense of sight. May be partial (vision impairment) or complete (blindness). Vision loss in children may be present at birth (congenital) or develop due to diseases, allergies or injuries. More Information on Vision Loss & Children: Pediatric Hearing & Vision
A standardized test with letters of different sizes on a chart. Vision acuity is measured by the smallest line of letters that can be seen clearly at 20 feet. Frequently, mirrors are used to make the chart appear 20 feet away. More Information on Vision Testing in Children: Pediatric Hearing & Vision
"Visualization Exercises" is more commonly referred to as "Meditation Exercises" in the medical community. Meditation Exercises
This article discusses some basic meditation exercises that anyone can do to lower their stress levels and improve their health. More Information on Meditation Exercises: Stress
"Vital Pulpotomy" is more commonly referred to as "Pulpotomy" in the medical community. Pulpotomy
Also Known As: "Pulp Amputation"
The surgical removal of some of the pulp tissue from a tooth, with the preservation of the remaining pulp. More Information on Pulpotomy: Oral Health Basics
"Vital Whitening" is more commonly referred to as "External Bleaching" in the medical community. External Bleaching
Bleaching of a tooth by placing a bleaching agent directly on the surface of the tooth. More Information on External Bleaching: Dental Bleaching & Appearance
A fat-soluble vitamin that performs functions associated with normal cell growth and development and prevents skin from becoming dry and hardened. It is found in fish-liver oils, milk and some yellow and dark green vegetables. More Information on Vitamin A: Vitamins
A B vitamin necessary for growth, carbohydrate metabolism and normal neural activity. It is found in meat, yeast and the bran coat of grains. More Information on Vitamin B1: Vitamins
A B-complex vitamin containing cobalt that is necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and is used to treat pernicious anemia and stress. It is found especially in liver. More Information on Vitamin B12: Vitamins
"Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia" is more commonly referred to as "Megaloblastic Anemia" in the medical community. Megaloblastic Anemia
Also Known As: "Folate Deficiency Anemia"
A blood disorder in which there is a deficiency of folate, vitamin B12 or both. This causes excess amounts of megaloblasts (immature red blood cells) in the blood. It can result from malnutrition or malabsorption. It is rare in people under age 60. More Information on Megaloblastic Anemia: Anemia & Blood Disorders
A B vitamin essential for growth and for the production of red blood cells. It also prevents skin lesions and weight loss. It is found primarily in milk, leafy vegetables, fresh meat and egg yolks. More Information on Vitamin B2: Vitamins
A B vitamin that helps convert food into energy and maintains normal functioning of the skin, nerves and digestive system. It is found in meat, wheat germ, dairy products and yeast. Niacin may help prevent second heart attacks in some patients. More Information on Vitamin B3: Vitamins
An oily acid (and B vitamin) that functions as a growth factor and is widely found in plant and animal tissues. More Information on Vitamin B5: Vitamins
A B vitamin that is essential for metabolism of amino acids and starch and needed for the production of red blood cells, nerve tissues and antibodies. It is found in cereals, yeast, liver and fish. More Information on Vitamin B6: Vitamins
"Vitamin B7" is more commonly referred to as "Biotin" in the medical community. Biotin
Also Known As: "Coenzyme R, Vitamin H, Vitamin Bw"
A type of B vitamin that is essential for body growth. Deficiency of this vitamin is rare. Food sources include liver, egg yolks, milk and yeast. More Information on Biotin: Vitamins
"Vitamin B9" is more commonly referred to as "Folate" in the medical community. Folate
One of the B vitamins. It is necessary for healthy blood, heart-disease prevention and synthesizing DNA. It is found in bananas, orange juice, peas, yeast, cold cereal, avocado, dried beans and green leafy vegetables. More Information on Folate: Vitamins
Fat-soluble or water-soluble organic chemicals necessary in trace quantities for good health. Humans require 13 different types for normal function and must obtain them from plant and animal foods in their diet. More Information on Vitamin Basics: Vitamins
"Vitamin Bw" is more commonly referred to as "Biotin" in the medical community. Biotin
Also Known As: "Coenzyme R, Vitamin B7, Vitamin H"
A type of B vitamin that is essential for body growth. Deficiency of this vitamin is rare. Food sources include liver, egg yolks, milk and yeast. More Information on Biotin: Vitamins
An essential water-soluble vitamin that has a wide range of functions in the human body. It is found in citrus fruits (e.g., orange, lime, grapefruit) and vegetables (e.g., tomato, green pepper, potato). More Information on Vitamin C: Vitamins
Vitamin commonly found in many fruits and vegetables that helps keep the immune system functioning properly. It has been touted as a natural antihistamine. Studies have shown that vitamin C benefited patients with allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. More Information on Vitamin C & Allergies: Vitamins
Vitamin commonly found in many fruits and vegetables that helps keep the immune system functioning properly. Vitamin C is key to helping children maintain healthy teeth and gums as well as helping the body to heal wounds and fight infections. More Information on Vitamin C & Children: Pediatric Diet & Fitness
An essential water-soluble vitamin that has a wide range of functions in the human body. There has been speculation about the role of vitamin C in prevention of the common cold. Many studies have been conducted, with mixed results. More Information on Vitamin C & Infections: Vitamins
A fat-soluble vitamin that promotes strong bones and teeth. The body can produce this vitamin through exposure to sunlight. Dietary sources include egg yolk, liver, oily fish and many fortified foods. More Information on Vitamin D: Vitamins
Also Known As: "Topical Vitamin D, Topical Vitamin D3, Topical Vitamin D Analogs"
Drug used to treat psoriasis by controlling the overproduction of skin cells in areas affected by the disorder. It is sometimes combined with UVB phototherapy. More Information on Vitamin D Analogs: Skin Drugs & Medications
A rare form of anemia (too few red blood cells, not enough hemoglobin or low blood volume) caused by a deficiency in vitamins B9 (folate), B12 or C. When caused by a deficiency in the B vitamins, it is called megaloblastic anemia. More Information on Vitamin Deficiency Anemia: Vitamins
A fat-soluble vitamin that is an important antioxidant. It is found chiefly in plant leaves, wheat germ, oil and milk. More Information on Vitamin E: Vitamins
"Vitamin H" is more commonly referred to as "Biotin" in the medical community. Biotin
Also Known As: "Coenzyme R, Vitamin Bw, Vitamin B7"
A type of B vitamin that is essential for body growth. Deficiency of this vitamin is rare. Food sources include liver, egg yolks, milk and yeast. More Information on Biotin: Vitamins
A fat-soluble vitamin that helps in the clotting of blood and absorption of calcium. It is found in leafy green vegetables, tomatoes and egg yolks. More Information on Vitamin K: Vitamins
Many vitamins and minerals play an important role in oral health, including vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins. Minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc are also vital. More Information on Vitamins & Oral Health: Vitamins
The type of protein found in egg yolks. People with egg allergies may need to avoid foods containing vitellin. More Information on Vitellin: Food Allergy & Intolerance
Also Known As: "Common Vitiligo, Vitiligo Vulgaris"
A common and chronic skin condition in which the immune system destroys cells that produce pigment, resulting in white patches of skin found on different parts of the body. More Information on Vitiligo: Skin Discoloration
A common and chronic skin condition in which the immune system destroys cells that produce pigment, resulting in white patches of skin found on different parts of the body. More Information on Vitiligo Vulgaris: Skin Discoloration
Surgery to restore sight by removing the cloudy vitreous humor in the eye and replacing it with a salt solution. More Information on Vitrectomy: Eye Conditions
The transparent, colorless mass of gel that lies behind the lens and in front of the retina, filling the center of the eyeball. More Information on Vitreous Humor: Eye Conditions
"VKC" is more commonly referred to as "Vernal Conjunctivitis" in the medical community. Vernal Conjunctivitis
A type of allergic conjunctivitis that tends to run in families, with onset beginning in males under the age of 10. Symptoms can be sight-threatening and include severe itching, light sensitivity, corneal scarring. More Information on Vernal Conjunctivitis: Eye Conditions
