Bleeding esophageal varices occur when swollen veins (varices) in your lower esophagus, the muscular tube that connects your mouth with your stomach, rupture and bleed due to excess pressure. This condition is a medical emergency and must be dealt with promptly.
Veins in the lower esophagus swell when blood flow to the liver is affected. The portal vein has the task of transporting blood from several organs of the gastrointestinal tract—including the stomach, small and large intestines, and spleen—to the liver. When pressure in the portal vein increases (a condition known as portal hypertension), blood starts to build up in the nearby blood vessels, including those of your esophagus, and cause the veins to dilate and swell.
Bleeding occurs because the veins of the esophagus have thin walls that aren’t capable of handling high pressure.
What Are the Causes of Bleeding Esophageal Varices?
Esophageal varices are a direct result of portal hypertension, which is most commonly caused by liver cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a condition involving scarring of the liver that is caused by infections such as hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption. Other causes of portal hypertension include portal vein thrombosis (blood clots inside the portal vein) and portal vein obstruction. In some cases, the cause is unknown. This is referred to as idiopathic portal hypertension.
Risk Factors for Developing Bleeding Esophageal Varices
The risk factors for bleeding esophageal varices include:
- size of the varices—the larger they are, the more easily they can rupture
- red color signs—during an endoscopic examination, the varices may reveal red markings or spots
- high portal vein pressure
- severe cirrhosis
- continued alcohol use—consuming alcohol despite pre-existing liver problems
- bacterial infection
If you have a history of liver disease, you may consider consulting your physician about your risk of developing esophageal varices.
The Symptoms of Bleeding Esophageal Varices
Esophageal varices are unlikely to display symptoms unless they have ruptured, in which case you may experience:
- hematemesis (blood in vomit)
- abdominal pain
- melena (black stools)
- bloody stools (only in severe cases)
- shock (only in severe cases, due to blood loss)
If you experience any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately and get to a hospital emergency room.
Diagnosing Bleeding Esophageal Varices
In addition to a physical examination and review of your symptoms, a doctor may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose esophageal varices:
- blood tests
- endoscopy (insertion of a thin tube with a camera down the throat to examine it for esophageal varices)
- computed tomography (CT) scan
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Treatment Options for Bleeding Esophageal Varices
The main purpose of treatment for esophageal varices is to prevent them from rupturing.
Controlling Portal Hypertension
Controlling portal hypertension is usually the first step to diminish the risk for bleeding. This may be achieved through the use of the following treatments and medications:
- Beta Blockers: Your doctor may prescribe beta blocker medications, such as propranolol, to lower your blood pressure.
- Endoscopic Sclerotherapy: With the help of an endoscope, your physician will inject a medication into your varices that will make them shrink. An endoscope is a long, flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it that is used to look inside a body cavity or organ.
- Endoscopic Variceal Ligation (Banding): Your physician will use an endoscope to tie off the veins of your esophagus with an elastic band.
If Bleeding Has Begun
Endoscopic variceal ligation or endoscopic sclerotherapy are preventive treatments, but your doctor may also use them if bleeding has begun. The drug octreotide (Sandostatin) may be used to lower the pressure in the portal vein by inhibiting the blood flow from organs that drain into it.
Another potential treatment option is a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). For this treatment, a small tube is used to connect the portal vein with the hepatic vein, which is the vein that transports blood from the liver toward the heart. This connection creates a diversion for the blood flow.
In some cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Bleeding reoccurs if the varices are not treated properly. You must have regular consultations with your physician to ensure the success of the treatment. Without treatment, this condition may be fatal.
How Can Esophageal Varices Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent esophageal varices is to correct the underlying cause. If you have liver disease, you may want to consider the following preventive measures to reduce your risk of developing esophageal varices:
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Stop drinking alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Lower your risk factors for hepatitis -- practice safe sex, don't share needles or personal hygiene products like razors, avoid contact with blood or blood products, and avoid sexual contact with an infected person.