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Esophageal varices are usually a secondary symptom of portal vein hypertension, seen in obstruction of venous blood flow from the lower body through the liver, such as in cirrhosis of the liver.
Initially, they may not manifest themselves in any visible way externally for a long time, and they are detected only accidentally during radiographs of the esophagus. As they develop and the walls of venous vessels become more stretched (thinned), their rupture and smaller or larger hemorrhages may occur. This usually happens with sudden changes in pressure in the esophagus or venous system in this area (e.g. coughing, sneezing, vomiting), and sometimes spontaneously or after damage during swallowing (e.g. with a crust of dry bread).
Treatment
Significant varicose changes in the esophagus, especially recurrent, frequent, persistent and dramatically profuse hemorrhages, require surgical treatment.
Prevention
Early and effective treatment of liver diseases, prevention of cirrhosis and impaired blood circulation within it is the simultaneous prevention of esophageal varices. Eating soft, mushy, moist, fine-grained foods, etc. prevents hemorrhages from these varicose veins.