Whipple's disease is a rare illness caused by a bacterial infection that affects the intestines, preventing absorption of the nutrients in food and sometimes causing malnutrition and anemia. Symptoms of Whipple's disease include weight loss, diarrhea, abdominal pain, low fever, and pain in the joints. If not treated...

White blood cells protect the body against infection. Types of white blood cells include neutrophils, banded neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. Each type of white blood cell plays a different role in protecting the body. The numbers of each type of white blood cells give important information about...

White-coat hypertension means that your blood pressure is high when it's checked in a doctor's office or clinic. But your blood pressure is normal when it's checked at home or with an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. The term "white-coat" refers to the clinic setting, such as a doctor's office, where a nurse or doctor...

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing spells. Whooping cough can spread quickly from person to person. Early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold and can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms may include: A runny nose. A fever. A mild cough. Apnea in...

Find out which types of medicines require a regular blood test and why.

Learn why getting a chlamydia test is important.

Learn how immunizations protect your child, your family, and your community.

Learn different ways to recharge by taking breaks from work.

Botanical names: Prunus serotina How It Works Wild cherry bark contains cyanogenic glycosides, particularly prunasin. These glycosides, once broken apart in the body, act to relieve choughs by quelling spasms in the smooth muscles lining bronchioles. 2 Although wild cherry is a commonly used ingredient in cough syrups...

Botanical names: Dioscorea villosa How It Works The steroidal saponins (such as diosgenin) account for some of the activity of wild yam. Another compound, dioscoretine, has been shown in animal studies to lower blood sugar levels. 2 An extract of wild yam was also found in a clinical trial to have antioxidant properties...

Botanical names: Salix alba How It Works The glycoside salicin, from which the body can split off salicylic acid, is thought to be the source of the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving actions of willow. 3 The analgesic actions of willow are typically slow to develop but may last longer than the effects of standard...

Childhood kidney tumors are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the kidney. There are two kidneys, one on each side of the spine, above the waist. Tiny tubules in the kidneys filter and clean the blood. They take out waste products and make urine. The urine passes from each kidney through a...

An excess of copper in the body can lead to a long list of health problems. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Try zinc Reduce dietary copper absorption by supplementing with zinc; consult your doctor to determine the correct amount to use. Steer clear of copper Work...

Wisdom teeth are molars, also called the third molars. They are located on both the upper and lower jaw, the last molars at the very back of the mouth. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 21. Not everyone has all four of them.