DEFINITION Von Willebrand disease is a condition that can cause extended or excessive bleeding. The condition is most often inherited but in rare cases may develop later in life. The cause of von Willebrand disease is a deficiency in or…
DEFINITION People develop voice problems for many reasons, such as misuse of their vocal cords, allergies and cancer. Mayo Clinic has voice specialists who can diagnose and treat any kind of voice disorder. CAUSES SYMPTOMS
DEFINITION Whipple’s disease is a rare bacterial infection that most often affects your gastrointestinal system. Whipple’s disease interferes with normal digestion by impairing the breakdown of foods, such as fats and carbohydrates, and hampering your body’s ability to absorb nutrients.…
DEFINITION Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. In many people, it’s marked 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…
DEFINITION Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a complex condition in which one or more tumors form in your pancreas or the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum). These tumors, called gastrinomas, secrete large amounts of the hormone gastrin, which causes your…
DEFINITION Yips are involuntary wrist spasms that occur most commonly when golfers are trying to putt. However, the yips can also affect people who play other sports — such as cricket, darts and baseball. It was once thought that the…
DEFINITION Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by a particular type of mosquito. The infection is most common in areas of Africa and South America, affecting travelers to and residents of those areas. In mild cases, yellow fever causes…
DEFINITION A vaginal yeast infection is a type of vaginitis — inflammation of the vagina — characterized by vaginal irritation, intense itchiness and vaginal discharge. A vaginal yeast infection affects your vagina and the tissues at the opening to your…
DEFINITION Wrist pain is a common complaint. It’s often caused by sprains or fractures from sudden injuries. But wrist pain can also result from long-term problems, such as repetitive stress, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Because so many factors can…
DEFINITION Wrinkles, a natural part of aging, are most prominent on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, neck, hands and forearms. Although genetics mainly determine skin structure and texture, sun exposure is a major cause of wrinkles, especially for fair-skinned…
DEFINITION In Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, an extra electrical pathway between your heart’s upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles) causes a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). The extra electrical pathway is present at birth and fairly rare. WPW is detected in about…
DEFINITION Wilms’ tumor is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. Also known as nephroblastoma, Wilms’ tumor is the most common cancer of the kidneys in children. Wilms’ tumor most often affects children ages 3 to 4 and becomes…