Esophageal varices are manifestations of severe liver diseases, such as cirrhosis. They occur when blood flow through the liver is obstructed, and are basically swollen blood vessels around the lower part of the esophagus and upper part of the stomach.

When blood flow through the liver is obstructed or stopped by scar tissue from the diseased liver, the blood pressure inside the liver blood vessels (such as the portal vein) increases, forcing blood to back up and find alternate routes. The blood veins around the esophagus are near and offer the perfect alternate route for blood to follow. The problem is that these veins are small (around 1 mm in diameter) and so they dilate when blood pressure rises inside. Esophageal varices have no symptoms unless they rupture and bleed, and that is why patients diagnosed with severe liver diseases should submit for a screening to determine if they have developed esophageal varices.

Over 50% of the patients diagnosed with cirrhosis develop esophageal varices within a year and over 90% within 10 years. 30% to 50% of them will experience bleeding at one point with 70% recurrence chance. Digestive hemorrhage caused by bleeding esophageal varices represents a severe complication. Studies show that 30-50% of patients die at the first digestive hemorrhage and over 70% at the second one.

The best method to evaluate and classify esophageal varices is endoscopy. In the case of bleeding esophageal varices endoscopic treatment must be started immediately. Bleeding risks is dependent on the size of the esophageal varices and the CHILD classification of the patient. While bleeding, the endoscopy must undoubtedly point to the source of the bleeding and other lesions with bleeding potential.

To stabilize the esophageal varices and avoid bleeding, a natural, fruit and vegetable based diet is recommended. Foods should be consumed fresh, unaltered, without any chemicals. The lack of appetite caused by the diseased liver can be countered by blending the foods along with cow cheese and served hearty with toast. Hard foods should be avoided as much as possible, as they might hurt the esophagus and rupture the esophageal varices. One can also boil vegetables in a soup, but it is recommended to avoid the use of any enhancers, as they may contain harming chemicals.

Herbal tea is also highly recommended. One can use St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) also known as Tipton's Weed, Chase-devil, or Klamath weed, mixed with Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis aka Hyssopus decumbens), Pot Marigold (Calendula Officinalis), Caraway (Carum carvi) and Common chicory (Cichorium Intybus). Patients can serve about 2 liters of herbal tea in a day for at least 3 months, as it helps clean the toxins and rebuild diseased cells. In addition, silymarin capsules should be taken in accordance with the gravity of the disease and body weight.

All in all, esophageal varices are a dangerous manifestation of a diseased liver and should be treated accordingly. Not handled right, these little swollen blood vessels could prove deadly, but follow these simple precaution measures and one could comfort their suffering.