Mallory Weiss tears are caused by increased pressure in the abdomen. Scientists think that the abdominal pressure forces the contents of the stomach into the esophagus, leading to tears V体育官网入口.
Causes of increased abdominal pressure include:
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Some conditions increase your risk of getting a Mallory Weiss tear:
An upper endoscopy or transesophageal echocardiogram rarely causes a Mallory Weiss tear.
The most common symptom of a Mallory Weiss tear is vomiting blood, which occurs in about 85% of cases VSports. The blood can appear bright red or dark brown, like coffee grounds.
Other symptoms associated with Mallory Weiss tears include:
Left untreated, blood loss from a Mallory Weiss tear can cause anemia, fatigue and shortness of breath.
If the tear is severe and internal bleeding occurs, you may experience symptoms of shock such as:
If you're experiencing signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, your healthcare provider will:
Healthcare providers typically use upper endoscopy to diagnose Mallory Weiss tears and rule out other disorders of your esophagus.
During the endoscopy, your provider guides a long, thin, flexible probe (endoscope) down your throat VSports最新版本. Using a camera on the end of the probe, your provider looks for tears in your esophagus and upper stomach.
In most patients with Mallory Weiss tears, the bleeding stops on its own within 72 hours.
To help your esophagus and stomach heal, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe medication to reduce stomach acid. The main types of acid reducers are:
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Your provider will continue to track your symptoms to ensure you are healing.
If a Mallory Weiss tear continues to bleed or stops bleeding then starts again, endoscopic treatments can help. These treatments are less invasive than surgery.
The most common endoscopic treatments for Mallory Weiss tears are:
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If endoscopic treatments are unsuccessful, your provider may consider angiotherapy. This procedure targets the blood vessels that feed blood to the torn area. Your provider will:
Surgery is the last option if both endoscopic treatment and angiotherapy do not stop the bleeding. Your provider will use a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure to sew the tear closed.
Mallory Weiss tears usually heal on their own and rarely reoccur.
If you needed endoscopic or surgical treatment for a Mallory Weiss tear, your medical team will monitor your recovery closely.
You can prevent Mallory Weiss tears by avoiding persistent, forceful vomiting and excessive alcohol use, the most common causes of Mallory Weiss tears. By reducing your alcohol consumption, you can decrease your risk. If you need help, talk to your healthcare provider. They can connect you with resources to help you lower your alcohol use.
Alcohol use is the most common risk factor for Mallory Weiss tears.
Other conditions can also raise your risk. If you are pregnant with hyperemesis gravidarum or have conditions such as GERD, bulimia or CVS, talk to your provider. Preventive care can reduce your risk of these tears.
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You should go to the ER if you have signs of bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract, such as blood in your vomit or dark, sticky stools.
Mallory Weiss tears are one of many causes of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The main symptoms (bloody vomit and dark, sticky stools) require an urgent medical evaluation to assess their severity. Though your healthcare provider will monitor you closely, most Mallory Weiss tears heal on their own. If bleeding continues, effective, noninvasive treatments are available. You can lessen your risk of a Mallory Weiss tear by reducing or eliminating your alcohol use. If you need help, reach out to your provider. They can connect you with resources to help you adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Last reviewed on 12/03/2021.
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