Esophageal varices are a condition in which blood vessels in the esophagus become very dilated, causing a series of unpleasant symptoms and even bleeding from the mouth.
Understand what these varices are, the potential causes, what the main side effects are, and how diagnosis and treatment are carried out.
Also take the opportunity to get to know EndoBlog and access various contents about the digestive system, developed by professionals on the subject.
Esophageal Varices: What Are They?
Basically, esophageal varices can be understood as swollen veins located in the walls of the esophagus – the tube responsible for connecting the throat to the stomach.
Such veins are called varices precisely because they are larger than what is considered normal, caused by increased local pressure.
Due to this increase in pressure, the walls may rupture, causing sudden bleeding. Because of the risk of intense and serious bleeding, esophageal varices require immediate treatment when they rupture.
Main Causes
The main causes of esophageal varices involve conditions that lead to obstruction of blood flow in the liver, increasing pressure in the veins of the area – a condition known as portal hypertension.
The increase in pressure causes the veins in the walls of the esophagus to dilate, accumulate blood, and in severe cases, intense bleeding.
The main causes of portal hypertension that can lead to the appearance of esophageal varices are:
- Liver cirrhosis of any origin (alcoholic, viral, steatohepatitis, etc.);
- Thrombosis of the hepatic veins or arteries.
Symptoms of Esophageal Varices
Esophageal varices do not have specific symptoms, but when they rupture, they can lead to hemorrhage and some symptoms, such as:
- Abdominal swelling;
- Darker stools with a very strong odor;
- Weakness;
- Pallor or more yellowish skin;
- Presence of blood in vomit;
- Labored breathing;
- Feeling of malaise;
- Dizziness.
It is important to note that the presence of bleeding is a serious symptom of esophageal varices. It is necessary to seek hospital assistance to avoid considerable blood loss and resulting problems.
How Diagnosis and Treatment Are Performed
Upper digestive endoscopy is the main examination for the diagnosis of esophageal varices. It is through endoscopy that the doctor will be able to observe the presence of varices and possible bleeding points.
Regarding treatment, there are some options. One of the main ones is through medications that relieve pressure inside the veins, reducing or preventing bleeding.
For the treatment of bleeding, the doctor, through endoscopy, may choose to use elastic bands around the varices to contain detected bleedings.
In more severe cases, if really necessary, there is the option of vascular surgical intervention.
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Residência em Endoscopia Digestiva no Hospital das Clínicas da USP (HCFMUSP)
Residência em Gastroenterologia no Hospital Universitário da UFSC
Presidente da SOBED / SC na gestão 2018-2020
Médico da clínica Endogastro em Florianópolis e ProGastro em Joinville