Esophageal Varices

Esophageal varices are swollen veins in the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. They often develop in people with liver disease, especially cirrhosis, as the liver struggles to process blood. When the liver is damaged, blood flow gets blocked, causing pressure to build up in the veins. This increased pressure can lead to varices, which are fragile and can easily rupture, causing serious bleeding. Symptoms may include vomiting blood or black stool. Treatment focuses on preventing bleeding and managing the underlying liver condition, often involving medications or procedures to reduce pressure in the veins.