Esophageal varices is the condition in which the veins found in the neck area becomes enlarged and swollen. People with history of liver problem have more chance to get this disorder than others. Esophagus is the name given to the area that is found between the stomach and neck. This happens when there is obstruction in the normal blood flow to the liver. The veins get enlarged due to the back pressure caused by the liver thereby putting more blood into the smaller vessels causing enlargement. In serious case, it can rupture causing life threatening situation.
Symptoms :
The area of esophagus will become enlarged and look swollen. There may be vomiting and nausea in the affected person. For some there may be discharge of blood in stool that is black in color. In sever case the patient may collapse after a shock.
Causes :
It happens when the normal blood flow is disrupted from the liver building back pressure. It slows down the bloodstream that is carried in the veins that passes through the liver into the heart. As a result there will be increase in pressure in the portal vein which in turn forces the excess of blood into the smaller veins in the nearby area. All this reaction will cause enlarged esophageal area and the veins appear swollen due to increased amount of blood.
Liver cirrhosis or any other liver problem can cause this disorder. Thrombosis or blood clot in the major vein can cause varices in the esophagus, leading to enlargement of veins. Sometimes even a parasitic infection can be the reason for this problem. People who suffer from Budd Chiari syndrome can get esophageal varices forcing the blood into the veins of esophagus.