liver and gallbladder disorders
Portal Hypertension
Symptoms of Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension itself does not cause symptoms, but some of its consequences do. If a large amount of fluid accumulates in the abdomen (called ascites), the abdomen swells (distends), sometimes noticeably and sometimes enough to make the abdomen greatly enlarged and taut. This distention can be uncomfortable or painful. An enlarged spleen may cause a vague sense of discomfort in the upper left part of the abdomen. The varicose veins in the esophagus and stomach bleed easily and sometimes massively. Then, people may vomit blood or dark material that resembles coffee grounds. Stools may be dark and tarry. Much less commonly, varicose veins in the rectum bleed. Then, stools may contain red blood. Bleeding from these veins may result in death. Collateral blood vessels may be visible on the skin of the abdomen or around the rectum. When substances that are normally removed from the liver pass into the general circulation and reach the brain, they may cause confusion or drowsiness ( Hepatic Encephalopathy ). Because most people with portal hypertension also have severe liver malfunction, they may have symptoms of 