What Are Esophageal Varices Causes Symptoms and Treatment Explained

Esophageal varices are abnormally enlarged veins in the lower part of the esophagus (food pipe). They develop when the usual flow of blood to the liver is blocked off and are commonly caused by liver cirrhosis. This obstruction causes high pressure in the portal vein (portal hypertension), and the blood tries to get around it by flowing through smaller veins, including those in the esophagus, which causes these veins to swell. If they burst, they can cause potentially fatal bleeding so early detection and treatment is very important.

Causes of Esophageal Varices

Cirrhosis due to chronic alcohol consumption or chronic hepatitis B or C infection, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common. Liver disease can be caused because of hepatic fibrosis and portal vein thrombosis. Liver failure patients are at risk and should be monitored routinely by Gastroenterologist in Agra for detection at an early stage.

Symptoms to Watch For

Esophageal varices often asymptomatic until bleeding occurs. Signs and symptoms may include vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, feeling faint, having a low blood pressure, and unexpected weakness. These are symptoms that you need to go to the ER for. A visit to the Top Gastroenterologist in Agra can aid in early detection and prevention before complications develop.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Diagnosis is typically made by upper GI endoscopy along with some imaging studies and blood work. Treatment is directed at preventing bleeding and controlling portal hypertension. They are drugs such as beta-blockers, endoscopic band ligation and in the more serious cases TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt). Treatment from Top Gastroenterologist in Agra will go a long way in ensuring that you have a safe and satisfactory treatment outcome.

When to Seek Expert Care

Consult an expert from safe surgery center right away if you have liver disease or symptoms of internal bleeding. Tertiary care centers, such as Safe Surgery Center are able to offer high level gastroenterology services with precise diagnosis and complete management that minimize risk and maximize result.