Variceal Bleeding 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.
Someone with symptoms of bleeding varices should seek treatment immediately. Doctors can stop the bleeding and help prevent varices from coming back.
Symptoms of Bleeding Varices
Symptoms include:- Vomiting of blood
- Black, tarry, or bloody stool
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Lightheadedness
- Shock (in severe cases)
Bleeding from varices is a medical emergency. If the bleeding is not controlled quickly, a person may go into shock or die.
Even after the bleeding has been stopped, there can be serious complications, such as pneumonia, sepsis, liver failure, kidney failure, confusion, and coma.