Mallory-Weiss TearNot what you're looking for? Show
What is a Mallory-Weiss tear?Your esophagus is the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. It plays a vital role in digestion. Sometimes, violent coughing or vomiting can tear the tissue of your lower esophagus and it can start to bleed. The condition is called a Mallory-Weiss tear. What causes a Mallory-Weiss tear?A Mallory-Weiss tear is most often caused from violent coughing or vomiting. Less common causes are a hiatal hernia or childbirth, which can increase pressure in your abdomen. Drinking alcohol can make vomiting and a tear more likely. What are the symptoms of a Mallory-Weiss tear?It can be hard to tell that you have a Mallory-Weiss tear and that you are bleeding inside. But you may have some of these symptoms:
How is a Mallory-Weiss tear diagnosed?If you have symptoms of a Mallory-Weiss tear, your healthcare provider may check your stool for blood. Your healthcare provider may also do an endoscopy. For this test, a flexible tube is put in through your mouth and down into your esophagus. A camera at the end of the tube lets the healthcare provider see the tear inside your esophagus. How is a Mallory-Weiss tear treated?A Mallory-Weiss tear will stop bleeding and begin to heal on its own in most cases. Sometimes you will need treatment. If treatment is needed, an endoscope may be used to give you an injection or a heat treatment to stop the bleeding. Or it may be used to insert a clip that closes the tear and stops the bleeding. Often, your healthcare provider will also prescribe medicines to lower stomach acid and help with healing. If you are on blood thinning medicine, check with your healthcare provider about when you should stop and restart the blood thinner. What are possible complications of a Mallory-Weiss tear?In rare cases, a Mallory-Weiss tear leads to severe internal bleeding. You get a rapid pulse, a drop in blood pressure, trouble producing urine, and shock. If mild bleeding goes untreated, it may result in anemia with fatigue, and shortness of breath. Can a Mallory-Weiss tear be prevented?There isn’t a lot you can do to prevent a Mallory-Weiss tear. Staying away from situations that cause violent vomiting, such as drinking too much alcohol, or coughing, such as smoking, can help lessen your risk. When should I call my healthcare provider?Blood in your vomit or stool is a serious symptom that calls for urgent medical help. If you notice any of the symptoms of a Mallory-Weiss tear, call your healthcare provider right away. Key points about a Mallory-Weiss tear
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Medical Reviewer: Jen Lehrer MD Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? |