Bleeding Esophageal Varices - Causes, Symptoms & Treament

Overview

Bleeding esophageal varices occur when swollen veins (varices) in your lower esophagus rupture and bleed.The veins in your lower esophagus near the stomach can become swollen when blood flow to the liver is reduced.

Signs and Symptoms

Hematemesis (Vomitting blood), Stomach pain, Lightheadedness or loss of consciousness, Melena (black stools), Bright red bloody stools (in severe cases), Shock (excessively low blood pressure due to blood loss that can lead to multiple organ damage)

Common Causes

Cirrhosis, Portal vein thrombosis, Idiopathic portal hypertension

Risk Factors

Portal hypertension, Severe cirrhosis, Bacterial infection, Excessive alcohol use, Excessive vomiting

Investigation Techniques

Liver Function Test, Blood test, Oesophageal duodenoscopy,CT scan,MRI scan

Treatment and Prevention

Beta-blockers, Endoscopic sclerotherapy, Endoscopic variceal ligation (banding), Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, Distal splenorenal shunt procedure

Generics

Desmopressin

Propranolol