List of diseases (W)

A comprehensive list of diseases starting with the letter "W" is extensive and constantly evolving as medical science progresses. This entry provides a general overview and examples, but is not exhaustive and should not be used for self-diagnosis. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.

Some notable diseases and conditions beginning with "W" include:

• Warts: Common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

• Waldenström macroglobulinemia: A rare type of slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the overproduction of IgM antibodies.

• Wandering spleen: A rare condition in which the spleen is not attached properly in the abdomen, allowing it to move around.

• Warfarin-induced skin necrosis: A rare complication of warfarin therapy characterized by skin and subcutaneous tissue necrosis.

• Wasting syndrome: Also known as cachexia, a complex metabolic syndrome associated with underlying illness and characterized by loss of muscle mass and fat.

• Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome: Adrenal gland failure due to bleeding into the adrenal glands, most commonly caused by severe bacterial infection.

• Weber-Christian disease: A rare inflammatory disorder characterized by panniculitis (inflammation of subcutaneous fat).

• Wegener's granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels in the nose, sinuses, ears, lungs, and kidneys.

• Weil's disease (Leptospirosis): A severe form of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through the urine of infected animals.

• Werdnig-Hoffmann disease (Spinal muscular atrophy type 1): A severe form of spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disorder that affects motor neurons and causes muscle weakness.

• Werner syndrome: A rare, inherited disorder characterized by premature aging.

• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: A brain disorder caused by vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, often associated with chronic alcoholism. It presents as two distinct syndromes: Wernicke's encephalopathy (acute) and Korsakoff's syndrome (chronic).

• West Nile virus: A mosquito-borne virus that can cause neurological disease.

• Whipple's disease: A rare bacterial infection that primarily affects the small intestine, interfering with nutrient absorption.

• White coat hypertension: Elevated blood pressure readings in a clinical setting (e.g., doctor's office) compared to normal readings at home.

• Whooping cough (Pertussis): A highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

• Wilms' tumor (Nephroblastoma): A type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children.

• Wilson's disease: A rare, inherited disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the liver, brain, and other vital organs.

• Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome: A congenital heart condition characterized by an extra electrical pathway in the heart.

• Wolman disease: A rare, inherited metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lysosomal acid lipase.