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.
Whether your goal is getting well, or staying well, the lifestyle choices described in this article are recommended by experts to help you maximize your cardiovascular health. More Information on What You Can Do For Your Heart: Heart Basics
Pale, central swollen area caused by fluid leaking out of local blood vessels into the adjacent tissues. A red "flare," which sometimes has a warm feeling due to inflammation, surrounds this "wheal." More Information on Wheal: Skin Signs & Symptoms
Increased sensitivity to one of the proteins in wheat, caused by ingesting wheat or inhaling flour containing wheat. Wheat allergy is a rare condition, though it causes common allergy symptoms (e.g., sneezing, hives, nausea). More Information on Wheat Allergy: Food Allergy & Intolerance
A whistling or high-pitched sound caused by breathing when the breathing tubes are narrowed (or constricted). It especially occurs when the smaller tubes deep in the lungs are narrowed. Causes include infection, asthma, COPD and other lung disease. More Information on Wheezing: Breathing & Lung
Also Known As: "Supporting Heart Patients, Helping Heart Patients"
This article is written for the loved ones of heart patients who are dealing with the short-term stress of a test, procedure or recent diagnosis of a loved one with heart disease. It includes research and practical coping strategies. More Information on When a Loved One Has Heart Disease: Heart Basics
A physician should always be contacted if someone's health is in question. This article points out some signs or symptoms that should absolutely be addressed immediately, rather than waiting to see if the signs might go away on their own. More Information on When to Call a Doctor: Healthcare Basics
A physician should always be contacted if a child's health is in question. This article points out some signs or symptoms in children that should be addressed immediately, rather than waiting to see if they resolve on their own. More Information on When to Call a Doctor for your Child: Pediatric Health Basics
An injury to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head (as with a car accident). Symptoms (e.g., neck pain) appear either directly after the injury or several days later. It may cause mild temporary pain or severe disability. More Information on Whiplash: Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain
A multi-system infectious bacterial disease that inhibits the body from metabolizing fats. It can affect any system in the body, including the central nervous system. However, it usually occurs in the gastrointestinal system. More Information on Whipple Disease: Digestive Health Basics
Surgical removal of the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine and surrounding tissue. It is used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and is names after the physician who invented and refined the technique. More Information on Whipple Procedure: Liver, Pancreas & Biliary
Surgical removal of the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine and surrounding tissue. It is used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and is names after the physician who invented and refined the technique. More Information on Whipple Surgery: Liver, Pancreas & Biliary
Also Known As: "Whipworm Infection, Trichuriasis, Trichuris Infection"
Parasitic infection of the large intestine caused by the Trichocephalus trichiura worm. It primarily affects children, who may become infected after ingesting soil contaminated with whipworm eggs. More Information on Whipworm: Parasitic Disease
Also Known As: "Trichuriasis, Trichuris Infection"
Parasitic infection of the large intestine caused by the Trichocephalus trichiura worm. It primarily affects children, who may become infected after ingesting soil contaminated with whipworm eggs. More Information on Whipworm Infection: Parasitic Disease
"Whirlpool Therapy" is more commonly referred to as "Hydrotherapy" in the medical community. Hydrotherapy
Also Known As: "Pool Therapy, Hubbard Tank Therapy, Water Therapy"
Medical treatment for pain that uses water in either liquid, ice or steam form to treat disease and trauma. Water applications may be hot, cold, or alternate from one to the other. More Information on Hydrotherapy: Pain Management
A routine blood test that measures the composition of blood cells within the blood. This usually includes counts of all blood cells (red, white and platelets), each type of cell, levels of hemoglobin and calculations based on those measurements. More Information on CBC: Blood Tests
The body's primary cells for fighting damage and disease. They destroy foreign organisms and damaged body cells as well as initiate the repair process. There are several types including lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils and neutrophils. More Information on White Blood Cells: Infectious Disease Basics
"White Fillings" is more commonly referred to as "Composite Resins" in the medical community. Composite Resins
Also Known As: "Composite Fillings, Composites, Composite Resin Fillings"
A type of resin used in dentistry to bond, restore or replace tooth structures. It may be used to fill cavities (fillings), to change the appearance of teeth (bonding) or to permanently attach a dental prothesis. More Information on Composite Resins: Dental Restorations
Part of the brain that contains myelinated nerve fibers and appears white. This contrasts to the cortex of the brain, which contains nerve cell bodies and appears gray. More Information on White Matter: Brain & Nerve Basics
"White Tea" is more commonly referred to as "Tea" in the medical community. Tea
Also Known As: "Herbal Tea, Green Tea, Black Tea, Oolong Tea"
A beverage made with tea leaves and hot water. Four major types (black, oolong, green and white) come from the same plant but are processed differently. Some contain more antioxidants than others. Herbal teas are made from other plants or herbs. More Information on Tea: Functional Foods
"Whitmore Disease" is more commonly referred to as "Melioidosis" in the medical community. Melioidosis
Also Known As: "Burkholderia Pseudomallei"
An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is clinically and pathologically similar to glanders disease. Transmission is by contact with contaminated soil and water More Information on Melioidosis: Infectious Disease Basics
"Whitmore Jewett Staging System" is more commonly referred to as "ABCD Rating" in the medical community. ABCD Rating
Also Known As: "ABCD Cancer Rating, ABCD Cancer Staging, ABCD Staging System, Jewett Staging System"
A staging system for prostate cancer that uses ABCD to designate if the cancer has spread and how far. A and B indicate cancer remains in the prostate; C means cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes; D means cancer has invaded the nodes. More Information on ABCD Rating: Cancer Basics
"WHO" is more commonly referred to as "World Health Organization" in the medical community. World Health Organization
United Nations agency that coordinates international health activities, helps governments strengthen health services, offers technical assistance in health emergencies, and promotes disease prevention and control, among other efforts.
"Whole Body Hyperthermia" is more commonly referred to as "Hyperthermia Therapy" in the medical community. Hyperthermia Therapy
Also Known As: "Local Hyperthermia, Microwave Therapy, Heat Therapy, Regional Hyperthermia, Microwave Thermotherapy"
A type of treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures (up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit) to damage and kill cancer cells or to make them vulnerable to other forms of treatment (e.g., radiation, certain anticancer drugs). More Information on Hyperthermia Therapy: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
Foods made from the entire grain seed (kernel) consisting of the bran, germ and endosperm. They are believed to be nutritionally superior to refined grains (consisting of only the endosperm). More Information on Whole Grains: Functional Foods
"Whole Oats" is more commonly referred to as "Oats" in the medical community. Oats
A type of cereal grain that is an ideal source of soluble fiber. It may lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease and help control blood sugar levels. More Information on Oats: Functional Foods
Also Known As: "Pertussis, Bordetella Pertussis Infection"
A contagious and dangerous disease characterized by fever, dry cough, running nose and sneezing. Over time, the cough worsens to produce a "whooping" sound and may come with vomiting. It is worse in children than adults and a vaccine is available. More Information on Whooping Cough: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
"WIC" is more commonly referred to as "Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children" in the medical community. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children
A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that serves low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding postpartum women. Federal grants help provide foods, health care referrals and nutrition education.
"Wiedemann Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome" in the medical community. Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome
Also Known As: "Beckwith Syndrome, BWS, Exomphalos-Macroglossia-Gigantism Syndrome, Wiedemann-Beckwith Syndrome, Familial Macroglossia-Omphalocele Syndrome"
A multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome marked by large body size, enlarged tongue and other physical features. It may also include one or more congenital heart defects such as atrial or ventricular septal defects. More Information on Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome: Birth & Genetic Disorders
"Wiedemann-Beckwith Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome" in the medical community. Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome
Also Known As: "Beckwith Syndrome, BWS, Exomphalos-Macroglossia-Gigantism Syndrome, Familial Macroglossia-Omphalocele Syndrome, Wiedemann Syndrome"
A multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome marked by large body size, enlarged tongue and other physical features. It may also include one or more congenital heart defects such as atrial or ventricular septal defects. More Information on Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome: Birth & Genetic Disorders
"Williams Braces" is more commonly referred to as "Back Braces" in the medical community. Back Braces
Also Known As: "Lumbosacral Belts, Raney Flexion Jackets, Lumbar Braces, Hyperextension Braces, Sacroiliac Belts, Chair Back Braces, Molded Jackets"
Devices used to help stabilize the lower back. There are many types, including various belts, corsets, braces and jackets. More Information on Back Braces: Head & Spine Injury
Also Known As: "Williams-Barratt Syndrome, Elfin Facies Syndrome, Beuren Syndrome, Williams-Beuren Syndrome, Elfin-Facies Hypercalcemia Syndrome, Fanconi-Schlesinger Syndrome"
A rare genetic disorder that causes specific medical and developmental problems. Most patients have cardiovascular problems such as aortic or pulmonic stenosis, ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, aortic hypoplasia and hypertension. More Information on Williams Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
Also Known As: "Elfin Facies Syndrome, Beuren Syndrome, Williams-Beuren Syndrome, Elfin-Facies Hypercalcemia Syndrome, Fanconi-Schlesinger Syndrome"
A rare genetic disorder that causes specific medical and developmental problems. Most patients have cardiovascular problems such as aortic or pulmonic stenosis, ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, aortic hypoplasia and hypertension. More Information on Williams-Barratt Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
Also Known As: "Elfin Facies Syndrome, Beuren Syndrome, Elfin-Facies Hypercalcemia Syndrome, Fanconi-Schlesinger Syndrome, Williams-Barratt Syndrome"
A rare genetic disorder that causes specific medical and developmental problems. Most patients have cardiovascular problems such as aortic or pulmonic stenosis, ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, aortic hypoplasia and hypertension. More Information on Williams-Beuren Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
The most common form of kidney cancer in children, comprising about 90 percent of childhood kidney cancers. Most Wilms tumors are found only after they have become large, often weighing 1 pound. More Information on Wilms Tumor: Pediatric Cancer
A genetic disorder that causes excessive accumulation of copper in the liver or brain and may result in liver disease, degenerative changes in the brain or psychiatric abnormalities. More Information on Wilson Disease: Liver, Pancreas & Biliary
"Windpipe" is more commonly referred to as "Trachea" in the medical community. Trachea
A tube that connects the passageways of the upper respiratory system (mouth, nose, throat) to the lungs. It begins with the larynx (voice box) in the neck and leads to the chest, where it splits into two bronchial tubes that connect to the lungs. More Information on Trachea: Nose & Throat
The skin of purple grapes contains the phytochemical resveratrol, which may help prevent heart disease and cancer. Fermented products that have spent significant time in contact with the skin of these grapes (e.g., red wine) also are a good source. More Information on Wine & Grape Juice: Functional Foods
Adverse reactions to wine that can be caused by a number of substances, including sulfites, grapes, molds, pesticides and more. Reactions can vary depending on the type or batch of wine, making prevention difficult. More Information on Wine Allergy: Food Allergy & Intolerance
"Winter Diarrhea" is more commonly referred to as "Rotavirus" in the medical community. Rotavirus
Also Known As: "Infantile Diarrhea, Acute Nonbacterial Infectious Gastroenteritis, Acute Viral Gastroenteritis, Winter Virus"
A virus that causes diarrhea, especially in young children. This is the leading cause of diarrhea in American children under the age of 2 years and also causes vomiting. More Information on Rotavirus: Pediatric Digestive
"Winter Virus" is more commonly referred to as "Rotavirus" in the medical community. Rotavirus
Also Known As: "Infantile Diarrhea, Acute Nonbacterial Infectious Gastroenteritis, Acute Viral Gastroenteritis, Winter Diarrhea"
A virus that causes diarrhea, especially in young children. This is the leading cause of diarrhea in American children under the age of 2 years and also causes vomiting. More Information on Rotavirus: Pediatric Digestive
Also Known As: "Needle Localization Biopsy, Needle Wire Localization Biopsy"
A technique used in breast imaging to locate a suspicious area that is difficult to find. An x-ray is used to guide a wire to the suspicious area, which is then left in the breast to guide the surgeon during biopsy. More Information on Wire Localization Biopsy: Breast Cancer
"Wireless Capsule Endoscopy" is more commonly referred to as "Capsule Endoscopy" in the medical community. Capsule Endoscopy
A diagnostic test in which the patient swallows a capsule containing a tiny camera that transmits images to a video monitor. The camera exits the body painlessly in stool. It may be helpful for examining the small intestine. More Information on Capsule Endoscopy: Digestive Imaging Tests
The third set of molars that generally erupt in late adolescence. While they are just as useful as the other teeth when healthy, they may be prone to a number of complications, such as growing in improperly or failing to erupt (impaction). More Information on Wisdom Teeth: Oral Health Basics
The act of avoiding emotional attachment. In disorders such as schizophrenia and depression, it may be marked by a retreat from interpersonal contact and social involvement that leads patients to become preoccupied with themselves.
"Withdrawal Therapy" is more commonly referred to as "Detoxification" in the medical community. Detoxification
Also Known As: "Detox"
A treatment designed to remove drugs or alcohol from the body while managing any symptoms of withdrawal. It is often the first step in a drug rehabilitation program. More Information on Detoxification: Alcohol & Substance Abuse
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