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Warts: Verrucas.Viral infections and contagious.These are small solid growths on the Skin and there are 5 types, occuring on different part of the body.Common wart,Plane wart,Plantar wart,Filiform wart and Anogenital warts

*also see genital warts (Human Papilloma Virus*

Whiplash Injury: A whiplash injury occurs when the Neck is jerked forwards then backwards, rather like the movement made when a whip is cracked.It usually happens when a stationary car is struck from behind by another vehicle.The whiplash effect can cause damge to the bones of the neck, the discs between the bones,to the nerves within the cervical spinal column or the the nerves that emerge from between the cerivcal vertebrae on their way down the arms

Whipworm: Trichuris trichiura.Parasitic infection in the Intestines.Widespread in Africa.Humans become infected by eating food contaminated by the eggs of the worm.They burrow into the inner layer of the Large Bowel

White Leg: A Pale swollen leg caused by extensive Thrombosis - blockage due to blood-clotting- of deep veins in the leg.It usually occurs one to four weeks after operations or childbirth.Severe blood loss, increases the risk of this complication

Whites: Leucorrhoea.White Flood.A natural Whitish or Yellowish discharge of Mucus from the Vagina.But if copious and particularly if there is also an irritation and an unlpleasant smell, the discharge may be a symptom of a vaginal infection

Whitlow: A Bacterial infection - Staphylococcal infection of the Soft Pad at the Tip of a Finger or Thumb.Often confused with the painful acute Paronychia

Whooping Cough: Pertussis.A severe infectious disease of Childhood caused by Bacteria called Haemophilus pertussis.Immunization against whooping cough is now standard practise in South Africa.The vaccines is combined with Diphtheria an Tetanus vaccines (DTP).Certain precautions are needed and the whooping cough component is omitted if the child as a history of convulsions or certain nervous disorders.Whooping cough is a SERIUOS disease, especially in babies, who may become dangerously short of oxygen during a coughing bout.If vomiting is severe, there is also the danger of Dehydration.A severe attack of whooping cough can damage the lungs and cause recurrent Bronchial infections

Windpipe: Trachea.Tube that carries air to the Lungs

Wrist Bones: Carpals

Womb: Uterus.Organ in which the developing Fetus is carried

Worms: There are a number o worms, which can live in the human body.The most common in S.A. are the Roundworm, the Threadworm, the Whipworm, and the Tapeworm.Worm infestations are more disturbing than serious but heavy Whipworm infestation may lead to a serious deterioration in health

info sources:

South African Family Medical Adviser

Family Health Guide & The Baby & Child Health Care Handbook - Dr.Miriam Stoppard