Esophageal Varices Symptoms and Treatment

Esophageal varices are inflammations of the veins on the lower esophagus’ lining near the stomach. Most of the time, these swellings are caused by liver disorder. These veins resemble the varicose veins of the legs but are often considered more life-threatening depending on the state of the disorder. As a result of the proximity of these swollen veins to the surface of the stomach and the esophagus, bleeding and other internal rupture are highly likely to occur.

Esophageal Varices

Esophageal varices treatment can range from simple to complex. The diagnosis of the disorder is reliant on the use of a tool called an endoscope. It is a thin, small tube that has a camera attached on its tip. The tube is then inserted inside the mouth of the patient in order to view the internal areas of the esophagus and pinpoint the source of the bleeding. If it happens that bleeding is in fact present in the walls of the esophagus, then the esophageal varices treatment will be done as soon as possible.

In the process of the insertion of the endoscope, the doctors may opt to attach along the camera other additional instruments which can aid in the treatment process. A medical method known as vasoconstriction might be performed. This involves the tightening of the blood vessels that are affected by the bleeding. Another tube may be attached to the endoscope’s tip which can inflate the air directly towards the wound. The procedure is often referred to as balloon tamponade. Most cases involve the doctor injecting the varices with clotting medicine. The veins can even be tied using an elastic band.

Other esophageal varices treatment can be solved using drugs referred to as beta blockers. Examples of these are nadolol and propranolol. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or TIPS procedure can even allow additional blood vessels for the freer flow of the blood to prevent hypertension. The process is said to stop other further complications brought about by the bleeding.

The good news is that people can actually prevent the emergence of esophageal varices. The first step is to be aware how to reduce the risk of cirrhosis, which is the scarring of the liver due to chronic liver disorder. The primary cause of this illness is alcohol abuse. It is therefore important for people to limit their alcohol intake in order to avoid the poor functioning process of the liver. Also, people with hepatitis have a huge risk of developing cirrhosis, so it is important to be vaccinated in order to maintain the liver and prevent hypertension in the process.

Esophageal varices treatment is no laughing matter. Once the patient begins to exhibit the symptoms it is wise to seek the help of a doctor in order to prevent any further bleeding. With proper discipline in terms of alcohol intake and the right awareness of the proper steps to avoid hypertension, the individual is sure to prevent his or her esophagus veins from rupturing that may lead to esophageal varices.