In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Can violent vomiting cause esophageal cancer?
Who gets sick most often?
Frequent or very profuse vomiting can cause a longitudinal rupture of the esophageal mucosa and even the stomach. In this situation, Mallory-Weiss syndrome occurs. It very often develops in people who abuse alcohol or in patients who experience very violent vomiting (e.g. in patients after chemotherapy).
What symptoms should you worry about?
Blood (most often in the form of trickles) appears in the vomit. The patient complains of epigastric pain. Its severity depends on the size of the mucosa rupture.
As a result of rupturing and subsequent healing of the mucosa, ulceration may occur. Its presence increases the risk of future perforation (perforation) in the esophagus or stomach. If left untreated, the disease can even lead to the development of a tumor in the affected organs.
Where to go for help?
In the event of developing bloody vomiting and / or severe upper abdominal pain, contact a specialist doctor as soon as possible, or – if access to a specialist is not possible – call an ambulance.
If Mallory-Weiss syndrome is confirmed, a gastroenterological (gastroenterological) consultation and gastroscopy are necessary.
Text: lek. med. Matylda Mazur
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.
The best gastroenterologist in your area