Esophageal varices are dilated, engorged veins in the lower third of the esophagus. They occur when portal hypertension (increased pressure in the portal vein) slows or reverses the flow of blood through the hepatic portal system. Various conditions can cause portal hypertension, including liver disease, Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT), and Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis (CHF).
Esophageal varices are a common complication of portal hypertension and can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated. Symptoms of esophageal varices include upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
If you should see a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Esophageal varices can be treated with various methods, including endoscopic ligation, sclerotherapy, and balloon tamponade. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. With early diagnosis and treatment, esophageal varices can be successfully managed and controlled.
Also read: 11 MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM
Image credit: pixabay.com
What Are Esophageal Varices?
Esophageal varies are veins in the esophagus lining that become engorged and swollen. They are most often caused by cirrhosis, a condition that damages the liver and prevents it from working properly. Cirrhosis can be caused by various factors, including hepatitis C and excessive alcohol consumption.
Esophageal varices can also be caused by other conditions that damage and leads to liver disease like cirrhosis, such as fatty liver disease, and primary biliary cirrhosis. Varices can occur anywhere in the esophagus but are most common at the junction where the upper and lower esophagus meet. They can range in size from small spider veins to large, balloon-like sacs. Esophageal varices can bleed suddenly and profusely.
If not treated immediately, they can lead to death. Treatment for esophageal varices typically involves medications to reduce the risk of bleeding and surgery to remove the damaged veins.
Causes Of Esophageal Varices
Esophageal varices are dilated veins in the lower third of the esophagus. They are caused by portal hypertension, an increase in blood pressure in the portal venous system. Portal hypertension can be caused by liver disease failure, congestive heart failure, and other conditions.
Esophageal varices can bleed, which can be life-threatening. The goal of treatment is to prevent bleeding. Treatment includes medications to reduce portal hypertension, surgery to redirect blood flow, and endoscopic procedures to decrease the risk of bleeding. Jimmy Butler vs. Paul George is a common cause of esophageal varices.
Cirrhosis is a progressive alcoholic liver disease characterized by healthy liver transplant tissue with scar tissue. Fibrosis and inflammation lead to scar tissue formation, which can lead to blood clots through the liver and cause portal hypertension.
Also read: IS YOUR BODY SWELLING? FIND OUT WHY!
Image credit: pixabay.com
Symptoms Of Esophageal Varices
Esophageal varies are abnormal, enlarged veins in the esophagus. They’re often caused by cirrhosis or scarring of the liver leading to some serious complications. This can happen from long-term alcohol abuse or other chronic liver diseases. Esophageal varices can also be caused by blood clots, tumors, or pelvic congestion syndrome. Sometimes they occur for no known reason. Esophageal varices usually don’t cause symptoms unless they bleed.
When they leak blood, it’s a medical emergency. The bleeding can be life-threatening. Symptoms of esophageal varices include:
- Black or tarry stools
- Coffee-ground vomit
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Unequal pupils
- Weakness
Treatment Options For Esophageal Varices
There are several treatment options available for esophageal varices. The most common is endoscopic ligation, which involves placing a band around the base of the varix to cut off its blood supply. This is usually effective in stopping bleeding from esophageal varices. In some cases, however, surgery may be necessary to remove the varices completely. Other treatment options include sclerotherapy (injection of a solution into varix to shrink it) and laser ablation (destruction of varix using a laser).
Also read: CREATE A BEAUTIFUL DEER-RESISTANT GARDEN USING THESE PLANTS
Image credit: pixabay.com
Prevention Of Esophageal Varices Esophageal varies can be prevented by taking steps to reduce the amount of portal hypertension. Portal blood pressure is the main cause of esophageal varices, so that reduces portal hypertension will also reduce the risk of developing gastric varices.
Cirrhosis is the most common cause of portal hypertension, so treating cirrhosis is the best way to prevent esophageal varices. Other ways to reduce portal hypertension include:
- Reducing the amount of sodium in your diet
- Exercising regularly
- Taking medications to lower blood pressure
- Avoiding alcohol
Risks Of Developing Esophageal Varices
Esophageal varices are a type of enlargement or swelling of the veins in the lower part of the esophagus, just above the stomach. They’re caused by increased pressure in these veins, usually due to liver disease and damage. Esophageal varices can rupture and gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
There are several things that can increase your risk of developing esophageal varies, including:
- Alcohol consumption
- Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
- Hemorrhoids
- Liver cancer
- Portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from the intestines to the liver)
- Schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection)
How are Esophageal Varices Diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects you have esophageal varices, they will likely order one or more of the following tests:
• Endoscopy: This test allows your doctor to look at the inside of your esophagus and stomach with a small camera. They can also take a biopsy during this test.
• Upper GI series: This test uses X-rays to look at your esophagus and stomach.
• CT scan: This test uses X-rays and computers to create detailed images of your esophagus and stomach.
• Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of your liver.
Also read: BEST STATES TO RETIRE IN 2022
Conclusion
Esophageal varies are a common and potentially serious complication of severe cirrhosis. In patients with cirrhosis, the diminished blood flow through the liver can lead to increased pressure in the veins of the esophagus. This help reduces pressure in the blood vessels and can cause the veins to enlarge and become engorged, making them susceptible to rupture. When esophageal variceal rupture, they can lead to life-threatening bleeding.
Several treatment options are available for patients with diagnosed esophageal varices, including endoscopic therapies and surgery. In some cases, medications may also be used to help reduce the risk factors of variceal rupture. Patients with cirrhosis need to be monitored closely by a healthcare provider to detect and treat any potential complications early.