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How can you care for esophageal varices?
- Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Talk to your doctor before you take any other medicines. These include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). These can cause sores in your stomach or esophagus. They can also increase the risk for bleeding.
- Do not drink alcohol. It increases your risk of bleeding. It can also make liver damage worse. Tell your doctor if you need help to quit. Counseling, support groups, and sometimes medicines can help you stay sober.
Esophageal varices: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You feel very sleepy or confused.
- You have new or worse belly pain.
- You have a fever.
- There is a new or increasing yellow tint to your skin or the whites of your eyes.
- You have any abnormal bleeding, such as:
- Nosebleeds.
- Vaginal bleeding that is different (heavier, more frequent, at a different time of the month) than what you are used to.
- Bloody or black stools, or rectal bleeding.
- Bloody or pink urine.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have any problems.
- Your belly is getting bigger.
- You are gaining weight.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.