Diseases

Bleeding Varises

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Varices are dilated blood vessels in the esophagus or stomach caused by portal hypertension. They cause no symptoms unless they rupture and bleed, which can be life-threatening.

SYMPTOMS

Usually there are no symptoms unless the veins bleed. Symptoms of bleeding oesophageal varices include vomiting blood, tar-like or bloody stools and, in severe cases, shock.

CAUSES

This increased pressure in the portal vein causes the development of large, swollen veins (varices) within the esophagus and stomach. The varices are fragile and can rupture easily, resulting in a large amount of blood loss. The most common cause of portal hypertension is cirrhosis of the liver.