Esophageal varices

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention

Definition

Serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis can cause a number of complications, including esophageal varices — abnormally enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat and stomach. Esophageal varices develop when normal blood flow to the liver is blocked. The blood then backs up into smaller, more fragile blood vessels in the esophagus, and sometimes in the stomach or rectum, causing the vessels to swell.

Esophageal varices don't produce symptoms unless they rupture and bleed — a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care. When not controlled, esophageal bleeding can be fatal.

To help prevent esophageal varices from bleeding, doctors usually prescribe medications that lower blood pressure. In cases where drugs aren't effective, esophageal varices may be injected with a clotting solution or tied with elastic bands to prevent bleeding. These same procedures are often used to stop acute bleeding.

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