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What are Esophageal Varices?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Esophageal varices are enlarged blood vessels in the esophagus, which are at risk of rupture, causing ulceration and bleeding. The bleeding can lead to health problems in and of itself, and esophageal varices can also be associated with infection, including pneumonia. More worryingly, varices in the esophagus are linked with issues with the hepatic portal vein which are usually caused by conditions such as cirrhosis, and problems with the portal vein can have very serious medical implications, including an increased risk for cardiovascular problems.

The typical cause of esophageal varices is high pressure in the portal vein. People can have high pressure in the portal vein without necessarily having hypertension due to issues such as scarring and blockage of the portal vein which drive up pressure. This vein is a major part of the system which drains blood from areas such as the gastrointestinal tract, and when it becomes occluded, it can lead to serious problems. Occlusion is often linked with cirrhosis, in which the liver becomes scarred by repeated damage.

Several types of liver disease, including cirrhosis, which is often linked to esophageal varicies.
Several types of liver disease, including cirrhosis, which is often linked to esophageal varicies.

People with esophageal varices may vomit blood, feel thirsty and lightheaded, and experience symptoms associated with the underlying liver disease which causes the varices. These symptoms can include abdominal pain and tenderness, jaundice, and edema. Varices can also form in other areas of the body, including the intestines. People may not necessarily experience pain, because the nervous system's interpretation of pain inside the chest cavity and abdomen can be very imprecise.

Esophageal varices may cause abdominal pain and tenderness.
Esophageal varices may cause abdominal pain and tenderness.

Esophageal varices can be identified by scoping the esophagus, in which case the enlarged vessels will be clearly visible. Bright red spots may also be seen, and sometimes active bleeding points the way to specific varices. Immediate treatment involves control of the bleeding, following by procedures such as banding or introducing medications to encourage the vessels to shrink. Once a patient has experienced a bleed from an esophageal varix, chances are high that bleeding will occur again.

An underlying liver disease and high pressure in the portal vein are common causes of esophageal varices.
An underlying liver disease and high pressure in the portal vein are common causes of esophageal varices.

While addressing esophageal varices is very important, it is also critical to address the underlying cause. Complications of cirrhosis can be uncomfortable and ultimately fatal. Examinations can be conducted to determine what is causing the cirrhosis, and what steps might be taken to address it. If the portal vein pressure is extremely high, some immediate measures can be taken to relieve the pressure on this vein to prevent complications and stabilize the patient until more long term treatment options can be explored.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

bagley79

I have a good friend who has liver disease and is currently on the waiting list for a new liver. She has had this for a long time, and this is not alcohol related.

Through the years I know she has received esophageal varices treatment more than once. Her disease has progressed to the point where she will be much better off if she gets a new liver.

I know she has had more than one scope done, but one of the complications of this procedure is scarring of the esophagus.

These are just a few of the side effects she has gone through because of this liver disease. I hope she is able to have a successful liver transplant and have a better quality of life.

SarahSon

My brother-in-law had severe liver disease from a life time of drinking alcohol. It was really sad when he passed away when he was just 55 years old because of this.

This took a toll on his whole body and he looked like he was about 70 years old. He developed esophageal varices from this cirrhosis.

His doctor told him if he ever started vomiting blood he was to get to the doctor right away. He was also encouraged to stop drinking, but he never did.

One of the worst things about esophageal varices bleeding, is a person can end up bleeding to death if they don't get treatment right away. It can be a very serious condition that can go bad very quickly.

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    • Several types of liver disease, including cirrhosis, which is often linked to esophageal varicies.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Several types of liver disease, including cirrhosis, which is often linked to esophageal varicies.
    • Esophageal varices may cause abdominal pain and tenderness.
      By: sframe
      Esophageal varices may cause abdominal pain and tenderness.
    • An underlying liver disease and high pressure in the portal vein are common causes of esophageal varices.
      By: blueringmedia
      An underlying liver disease and high pressure in the portal vein are common causes of esophageal varices.
    • It's common for someone with esophageal varices to feel thirsty.
      By: beerfan
      It's common for someone with esophageal varices to feel thirsty.
    • A person with esophageal varices may vomit blood.
      By: Lars Zahner
      A person with esophageal varices may vomit blood.