Health Library

Waardenburg syndrome is a group of inherited conditions characterized by and partial (pale skin, hair, and eye color).

Walking abnormalities are unusual and uncontrollable walk patterns, usually caused by diseases or injuries to the legs, feet, brain, spine, or inner ear.

Wart removers are medicines used to eliminate , 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 information ...

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 ...

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. ...

Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. It is the basis for the fluids of the body.

Watercolor ingestion occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally eats or swallows watercolor paints. 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 ...

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 . It is deadly if not treated immediately.

Watery eyes occur when there is too much tear production or poor drainage of the tear duct.

Wax blockage is an obstruction of the ear canal with wax (cerumen).

Wax is a greasy or oily solid that melts in heat. This article discusses poisoning due to swallowing large amounts of wax or crayons. 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 ...

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 Lymphocytes (T cells and B cells) Monocytes Neutrophils See also:

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:

Weakness is a reduction in the strength of one or more muscles.

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.

Wegener’s granulomatosis is a rare disorder in which blood vessels become inflamed, making it hard for blood to flow.

Unintentional weight gain is an increase in body weight that occurs when a person takes in more calories than the body needs or uses.

Unintentional weight loss is a decrease in body weight that is not voluntary. In other words, you did not try to loss the weight by dieting or exercising. See:

Weight management means keeping your body weight at a healthy level. See also:

Childhood is a time of rapid growth and change. You will have pediatric well-child visits most often when your child is developing the fastest. Each visit includes a complete physical examination. At this exam, the health care provider will check the infant or young child’s growth and ...

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder due to .

West Nile virus is a disease spread by mosquitos. The condition ranges from mild to severe.

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air flows through narrowed breathing tubes.

Whiplash is when the soft tissues of the neck are injured by a sudden jerking or “whipping” of the head. This type of motion strains the muscles and ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion. See also:

Whipple’s disease is a rare condition that prevents the small intestines from properly absorbing nutrients. This is called

Whipworm infection is an infection of the large intestine with a type of roundworm.

Whiteheads are white, raised bumps caused by collections of oil and skin in pores. Whiteheads are also known as closed and pimples. See:

Widely spaced teeth can be a temporary condition related to normal growth and the development of adult teeth. Wide spacing can also occur as a result of several diseases or continued growth of the jawbone.

Williams syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that can lead to problems with development.

Wilms tumor is a type of kidney cancer that occurs in children.

Wilson’s disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body’s tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous system.

Window cleaner poisoning occurs when someone swallows or breathes in large amounts of window cleaner. 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 ...

Windshield washer fluid is a brightly colored liquid made of methanol, a poisonous alcohol. Some young children may mistake the fluid for juice, which can lead to accidental poisoning. Even small amounts can cause significant damage. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing windshield washer ...

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a heart condition in which there is an extra electrical pathway (circuit) in the heart. The condition can lead to episodes of rapid heart rate (). Wolff-Parkinson-White is one of the most common causes of fast heart rate disorders in infants and children.

Women’s health refers to the branch of medicine that focuses on the treatment and diagnosis of diseases and conditions that affect a woman’s physical and emotional well-being.

Wood stains are products used for wood finishing. Wood stain poisoning occurs when someone swallows these substances. 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 ...

A Wood’s lamp examination is a test that uses ultraviolet light to closely look at the skin.

Wrinkles are creases in the skin.

Wrist pain is any pain or discomfort in the wrist.