Bleeding esophageal varices

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

Bleeding esophageal varices

Symptoms

Black, tarry stools
Bloody stools
Decreased urine output
Excessive thirst
Light-headedness
Paleness
Symptoms of chronic liver disease (such as cirrhosis)
Vomiting
Vomiting blood

Exams and Tests

Physical examination:

Bloody or black stool on rectal exam
Low blood pressure
Rapid heart rate
Signs of chronic liver disease or cirrhosis

Tests to determine where the bleeding is coming from and detect active bleeding include:

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy ( EGD)
Tube through the nose into the stomach (nasogastric tube) to look for signs of bleeding

References

Goldman L, Ausiello DA.Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.


Digestive system


Liver blood supply

Review Date: 2/20/2008
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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