Glossary of Medical Terms – W

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Waiting List

After evaluation by the transplant physician, a patient is added to the national waiting list by the transplant center. Lists are specific to both geographic area and organ type: heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas, intestine, heart-lung, kidney-pancreas. Each time a donor organ becomes available, the UNOS  (United Network for Organ Sharing) computer generates a list of potential recipients based on factors that include genetic similarity, organ size, medical urgency and time on the waiting list. Through this process, a new list is generated each time an organ becomes available.

Wandering Liver

A displaced and movable liver

Wasserman Test

A blood test once widely used to diagnose syphilis

Waste

Useless matter. To become thin

Water Hammer Pulse

A pulse characterized by a rapid forceful ascent or upstroke

Waxy Liver

Albuminoid liver

WBC

Abbreviation for White blood cell, White blood count. The WBC is really a nonparameter, since it simply represents the sum of the counts of granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes per unit volume of whole blood. Automated counters do not distinguish bands from segs; however, it has been shown that if all other hematologic parameters are within normal limits, such a distinction is rarely important. Trying to reliably distinguish bands from segs under the microscope is fraught with reproducibility problems

Weeping

Leakage of a fluid, A raw or excoriated surface bathed with a moist discharge

Western Blot Assay

Test used to analyze proteins in the blood to see if a virus exists

Wheat Grass

Rich in nutritional food, and contains a great variety of minerals,  vitamins, and trace elements

White Birch Bark

Considered both an astringent and bitter. A leaf tea made by infusion is said to dissolve kidney stones when taken daily over a period of time. Has also been used successfully as a cream, salve, wash and/or bath additive for the treatment of skin problems, including Melanoma

White Blood Cell

WBC. Leukocyte, blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin and plays a major role in our immune defense system. Cells which form the basic constituents of the human immune system

White Blood Cells

Cells that fight infection. Leukocyte, White corpuscles in the blood. They are spherical, colorless, and nucleated masses involved with host defenses. Normal white blood cell counts are variable with age and sex. Normal adult range is 4,500 to 11,000 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Slightly higher counts are seen in children. Elevated counts can be seen in cases of inflammation and infection

White Walnut

Also called Butternut Bark of Root. Has cathartic properties. Good as a laxative, also as a treatment for liver disorders and intestinal sickness. Also used to expel, rather than kill, worms (vermifuge) during the normal course of laxative induced cleansing of the body

White Willow Bark

Used to soothe headaches, break fevers, and reduce pain and swelling in arthritic joints. Also beneficial for cancer, heartburn, infections, and neuralgia. It is used in dyspepsia connected with the debility of the digestive organs. As an astringent, it has been used for internal bleeding and as a diuretic for gouty and rheumatic problems. If you are pregnant or nursing please check with your physician before using, Individuals who are allergic to salycylates should avoid Willow bark

WHO

World Health Organization

Wild Balsam

Impatiens Aurea. Also called Jewelweed. Has an acrid, burning taste and acts strongly as an cathartic, emetic, and diuretic, is considered dangerous, and its use is questionable

Wild Cherry Bark

Excellent calming and soothing agent for irritated mucosal surfaces

Wild Indigo

Exhibits anti-microbial and anti-catarrhal properties. Especially useful in the treatment of infections and catarrh in the ear, nose and throat. Wild Indigo may be used for cases of tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis and catarrhal infections of the nose and sinus. Taken internally, and as a mouthwash, Wild Indigo will heal mouth ulcers, gingivitis and help control pyorrhea. Used in all diseases of the glandular system, and in hepatic derangements especially, with symptoms of the character. For the treatment of infections, Wild Indigo can be used with Echinacea and Myrrh. For lymphatic problems, it can be combined with Poke Root and Cleavers

Wild Pansy

Viola Tricolor. Also called Heartsease. The herbaceous parts of the plant have been employed for their demulcent, mucilaginous, and expectorant properties. The root and seeds are also emetic and purgative, which properties as well as the expectorant action of the plant are doubtless due to the presence of the Violine

Wild Yam

Dioscorea. Used as a spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, mild diaphoretic, anti-rheumatic, and it is used for treating: cramps, diverticulitis, intestinal colic, intermittent claudication, muscular rheumatism, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ovarian & uterine pain

Willow

Exhibits analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and tonic properties. Considered to be the natural form and origin of the modern day aspirin.

Wilson’s Disease

Inherited condition in which increased amounts of copper are found in the liver. Can lead to progressive destruction of the liver, to cirrhosis, and to damage in the central nervous system. Also called Hepatolenticular Degeneration

Witch Hazel

Has astringent, sedative, tonic, and homeostatic properties. Used in decoctions, infusions, ointments, poultices, suppositories, fluid extracts, and distilled extracts, as a powdered drug, and in cosmetics. Recommended for treating bruises, diarrhea, dysentery, internal and external hemorrhage, inflammation, insect bites, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, burns, scalds, and dark circles under the eyes

wk

Week

Wood Betony

Also called Betony. Possesses mild astringent properties. Used occasionally for diarrhea, or as a mouthwash to soothe mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Use as a tincture or infusion it is used for chronic headaches and to treat anxiety and nervousness

Woody Nightshade

Solanum Dulcamara. Used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchial catarrh, and whooping cough. Also a popular remedy for obstinate skin eruptions, scrofula and ulcers

Work Up

To investigate a patients illness by a variety of means, including xrays, patient history, physical examination, blood work studies

Wormwood

Exhibits bitter, anti-microbial, carminative, and anthelmintic properties. Powerful remedy in the treatment of worm infestations, especially pinworm and roundworm. Also used to help the body deal with fever and infections

wt

Weight

w/v

Abbreviation for weight in volume

© Vikki Shaw