Glossary of Medical Terms – W | Hepatitis Central

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Glossary of Medical Terms – W

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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