What are the symptoms of esophageal varices?

What are the symptoms of esophageal varices?

Most people do not know they have esophageal varices until the varices start to bleed. When bleeding is sudden and severe, the person vomits large amounts of blood. When bleeding is less severe, the person may swallow the blood, which can cause black, tarry stools. If bleeding is not controlled, the person may develop signs of shock, including pale, clammy skin, irregular breathing and loss of consciousness.