Variceal Bleeding

Variceal bleeding occurs when enlarged blood vessels (varices) in the esophagus or stomach rupture and bleed.

your quick guide to this page

what is variceal bleeding?: Learn what defines variceal bleeding and what its general consequences are.
fast facts: Get a quick overview of variceal bleeding through statistics and bite-sized facts.
symptoms: Learn about the symptoms of variceal bleeding, how to recognize them, and what to do if you experience them.
lifestyle impacts: Find out how variceal bleeding impacts your lifestyle.
what can I do?: Discover management and treatment strategies for variceal bleeding.
additional resources: Find useful links, education, articles, recipes and more that can help with variceal bleeding.

what is variceal bleeding?

Variceal bleeding occurs when enlarged blood vessels (varices) in the esophagus or stomach rupture and bleed. This condition is typically a complication of portal hypertension, which is often caused by cirrhosis of the liver. In cirrhosis, scar tissue in the liver obstructs normal blood flow, leading to increased pressure in the portal vein. This pressure forces blood to seek alternative pathways through smaller veins, causing them to enlarge and become prone to rupture.

risk factors

The primary cause of variceal bleeding is portal hypertension, most commonly resulting from liver cirrhosis. Other risk factors include:

Continued alcohol use
Severe cirrhosis or liver failure
Large varices
Red marks on varices (visible during endoscopy)
Previous episodes of variceal bleeding

symptoms

Early symptoms of variceal bleeding may not be apparent until a bleeding episode occurs. However, signs of underlying liver disease may include:

Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Easy bruising or bleeding
Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
Vomiting large amounts of blood
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)

impacts on the body

Potential for severe blood loss
Risk of hypovolemic shock
Increased susceptibility to infections
Possible liver function deterioration

lifestyle impacts

Those with variceal bleeding experience lifestyle impacts that will require consistency through regular medical check-ups and screenings. Along with potential dietary restrictions, such as restriction of certain foods that may irritate the esophagus or increase bleeding risk, individuals diagnosed will have possible limitations on physical activities. There will be emphasis on gentle, low-impact exercises like walking or swimming, as approved by healthcare providers. Individuals affected will also be required to abstain from alcohol consumption.

what can I do?

prevention

Preventing variceal bleeding can be supported through abstaining from alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing underlying liver conditions.

diagnosis

Variceal bleeding is typically diagnosed through physical examinations, blood tests, imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound), or an upper endoscopy (EGD test).

management

In managing variceal bleeding, it’s necessary to be consistent in taking prescribed medications (e.g., beta-blockers), attending regular check-ups, monitor signs of bleeding, and seeking immediate medical attention if bleeding occurs.

treatment

Treatments include endoscopic therapy (variceal banding or sclerotherapy), medications (e.g., octreotide, beta-blockers), a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure, or liver transplantation, in severe cases.