Esophageal Varices – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Esophageal varices (also spelled oesophageal varices) are enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. These swollen veins develop when normal blood flow to the liver is blocked, most commonly due to liver cirrhosis. Because the blood cannot flow normally through the liver, it seeks alternative routes — and one of these routes is through the veins in the esophagus. Over time, this increased pressure causes the veins to swell and become fragile, leading to life-threatening bleeding if they rupture.

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It looks like you meant “esophageal varices” (often pronounced “oesophagus varices”). Here’s a complete blog-style explanation of the condition for your health or medical content site:

🧠 Causes

The main underlying cause of esophageal varices is portal hypertension — high blood pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.
Common reasons for portal hypertension include:

  • Cirrhosis of the liver (due to chronic alcohol use, hepatitis B or C, or fatty liver disease)

  • Blood clots in the portal vein (portal vein thrombosis)

  • Schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection common in certain tropical regions)

  • Severe liver scarring or fibrosis

⚠️ Symptoms

In many cases, esophageal varices don’t cause any symptoms until they bleed.
When bleeding occurs, symptoms can include:

  • Vomiting blood (hematemesis)

  • Black or tarry stools (melena)

  • Lightheadedness or dizziness

  • Low blood pressure

  • Shock (in severe cases)

If you have chronic liver disease, it’s crucial to be screened for varices before any bleeding occurs.

🧪 Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose esophageal varices using:

  • Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed down the throat to visualize the veins.

  • Imaging tests: Such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to assess liver and blood vessel conditions.

  • Blood tests: To evaluate liver function and blood clotting.

💊 Treatment and Management

The goal of treatment is twofold — prevent bleeding and control bleeding if it occurs.

1. Preventing Bleeding

  • Beta-blocker medications (like propranolol or nadolol) help reduce portal pressure.

  • Endoscopic variceal ligation (banding): Tiny rubber bands are placed around the swollen veins to prevent rupture.

  • Lifestyle changes: Avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing liver disease.

2. Controlling Active Bleeding

  • Endoscopic therapy to stop the bleed.

  • Vasoactive drugs such as octreotide or vasopressin analogues to reduce blood flow to the portal vein.

  • Balloon tamponade or TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) in severe cases — surgical methods to reduce portal pressure.

3. Long-Term Care

  • Regular follow-up endoscopies

  • Managing the underlying liver disease

  • Avoiding alcohol and hepatotoxic drugs

🩺 Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the severity of liver disease and whether bleeding occurs. Untreated bleeding varices can be fatal, but with early diagnosis and proper management, outcomes can significantly improve.

🌿 Prevention Tips

  • Limit or avoid alcohol consumption

  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis B and treat hepatitis C early

  • Maintain a healthy body weight

  • Follow up regularly with your doctor if you have liver disease

💬 In Summary

Esophageal varices are a serious complication of liver disease caused by portal hypertension. Regular screening, lifestyle modification, and proper medical care can prevent bleeding episodes and improve quality of life.

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