Bleeding Esophageal Varices
Alternate Names : Esophageal Variceal Rupture, Esophageal Variceal Bleeding, Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage
What can be done to prevent the condition?
There are several ways to avoid bleeding esophageal varices. They can be prevented by avoiding liver diseases that are caused by long-term alcohol abuse and viral hepatitis. Many cases of hepatitis can be prevented by:
not using intravenous drugs
following safer sex practices, such as condom use
being vaccinated for hepatitis B
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
A person with esophageal varices often has serious medical problems due to liver disease. The outcome is generally poor unless a liver transplant is performed. Even after treatment, rebleeding from esophageal varices is common and may lead to death.
What are the risks to others?
There are generally no risks to others unless the person has hepatitis. Hepatitis may be passed on to others through unprotected sex. It may also be passed on by sharing drug needles.
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