Esophageal varices

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications

Preparing for your appointment
Tests and diagnosis
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 your esophagus, the tube that connects your throat and stomach.

Esophageal varices develop when normal blood flow to your liver is blocked. The blood then backs up into smaller, more fragile blood vessels in your esophagus, and often in your stomach or rectum as well, causing the vessels to swell. Sometimes, esophageal varices can rupture, causing a life-threatening condition.

A number of drugs and medical procedures are available to stop bleeding from esophageal varices. These same treatments can help prevent bleeding in people diagnosed with esophageal varices.

Symptoms