Vitamin deficiency anemia is a condition that occurs when the body lacks sufficient amounts of vitamin B-12 and folate. This can happen due to poor diet, inadequate absorption or processing of these vitamins, or other factors. As a result, the body produces red blood cells that are too large and don't function properly, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. The condition can affect any part of the body, including the skin, hair, and mucous membranes. Vitiligo is characterized by the destruction of melanin-producing cells, leading to white patches or spots on the skin. The condition can be stressful and affect an individual's self-esteem and quality of life.
Vocal cord paralysis is a condition that affects the muscles that control the voice. It occurs when the nerve impulses to the voice box, also known as the larynx, are disrupted. This results in paralysis of the vocal cord muscles. Vocal cord paralysis can make it difficult to speak and even breathe. The vocal cords are responsible for more than just producing sound; they also protect the airway by preventing food, drink, and saliva from entering the windpipe and causing a person to choke.
A voice disorder is a change in the way a person's voice sounds. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, vocal strain, and environmental factors. Voice disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age or occupation. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for voice disorders.
Von Willebrand disease is a rare but inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly. It is caused by a deficiency or malfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein that helps platelets stick together to form a clot. People with this condition may experience prolonged bleeding after an injury or surgery, and it can be challenging to manage. However, with proper treatment and self-care, most individuals with von Willebrand disease can lead active lives.
Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that affects the outer surface area of the female genitalia. It is a rare but serious condition that requires prompt attention and treatment. The vulva is the area of skin that surrounds the urethra and vagina, including the clitoris and labia. Vulvar cancer can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in older adults.
Vulvodynia is a type of chronic pain or discomfort that affects the vulva, the outer part of the female genitalia. It is characterized by recurring episodes of pain or discomfort that can last for months to years. The condition is often described as a burning, stinging, or shooting sensation in the affected area.
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia is a rare type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells. It is considered a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is a group of cancers that affect the immune system. The condition is characterized by the abnormal growth and accumulation of white blood cells in the bone marrow and other parts of the body.
Wet macular degeneration is a long-lasting eye disorder that affects the central vision of the eye. It is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina that leak fluid or blood into the macula, causing vision loss or blindness. Wet macular degeneration is one of two types of age-related macular degeneration, with the other type being dry macular degeneration.
Wheat allergy is an allergic reaction to foods containing wheat, which is a common ingredient in many foods. The symptoms of wheat allergy can range from mild to severe and can occur within minutes or hours after consuming wheat-containing foods. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for wheat allergy.
Whiplash is a common neck injury caused by a sudden and forceful movement of the neck, often referred to as the "cracking" of a whip. This type of injury can occur due to various reasons, including rear-end car crashes, sports accidents, physical abuse, and other types of traumas. Whiplash may be called a neck sprain or strain, but these terms also include other types of neck injuries.
Whipple disease is a rare bacterial infection that most often affects your joints and digestive system. It is a chronic condition that interferes with normal digestion by impairing the breakdown of foods and hampering your body's ability to absorb nutrients, such as fats and carbohydrates. Whipple disease is caused by the bacterium Tropheryma whipplei, which is typically found in the gut.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that affects children and adults. The infection is characterized by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like "whoop." Before the vaccine was developed, whooping cough was considered a childhood disease. Now, it primarily affects children too young to have completed the full course of vaccinations and teenagers and adults whose immunity has faded.
Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in children, and it is often diagnosed in children between the ages of 3 and 4. While Wilms tumor is more common in children, it can also occur in older children and even adults.
Wilson's disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to remove excess copper from the bloodstream. Copper is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, but excessive levels can be toxic. In Wilson's disease, the accumulation of copper can lead to damage in various organs, particularly the liver, brain, and eyes.