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Esophageal Varices Discharge Instructions


About this topic


The esophagus is a tube which passes food from the mouth to the stomach. The veins that line this tube swell when too much blood is trapped inside. This happens when the blood flow is damaged. Doctors call these swollen veins esophageal varices. ‚  
Liver damage is the most common cause of this condition. Treatment is needed to prevent bleeding. It is also needed when the swollen blood vessels bleed. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Your doctor may give you drugs to lower blood pressure. Make sure to take all the drugs ordered by your doctor.
  • Your doctor will tell you if you should keep taking your previous drugs.
  • If you had an endoscopy:
    • It will be painful to swallow for a couple of days after the endoscopy. Suck on ice chips to help with throat pain.
    • Your doctor may tell you to use a saline mouth rinse. Use this after each meal or when needed.
  • Your doctor may give you a set food plan. Follow this food plan to avoid bleeding events.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your condition needs close monitoring. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Stop bleeding
  • Lessen the pressure of the blood in the varices
  • Help with pain
  • Prevent infection

Will physical activity be limited?


Rest for a few days. Avoid hard activities like heavy lifting and hard exercise. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your personal diet plan. Ask if you need a special diet to prevent more bleeding.
  • Most often, you can start on a soft diet. Start with soft foods like soups and pureed fruits or vegetables. Then, work to your normal diet.

What problems could happen?


  • Brain damage
  • Too much bleeding
  • Narrowing of the esophagus
  • Shock
  • Infection
  • Bleeding events happen again

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • If you have liver and heart problems, get treatment.
  • Drink responsibly. Learn to control your alcohol intake.
  • Stay away from all alcohol and alcohol-containing drinks if you already have liver problems.
  • Do not use illegal drugs.
  • Keep household chemicals and cleaning solutions in a safe cabinet. Be sure to always read and follow the directions. Never move chemicals to water bottles or unmarked bottles.
  • Get vaccinated against germs that can damage the liver.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
  • Throwing up blood
  • Black tarry stools
  • Throat pain not helped by drugs you are taking
  • Changes in skin color
  • Sudden breathing problems
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Voice hoarseness
  • Mouth tastes like blood even after washing your mouth
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, throw up blood, have black tarry stools, or trouble breathing.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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