What is Portal Hypertension?
Portal hypertension is a medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the portal venous system, which carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. It commonly arises due to chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, which disrupts normal blood flow through the liver.
Causes
- Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue caused by chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis.
- Portal vein thrombosis: A blockage in the portal vein that can occur due to blood clots.
- Schistosomiasis: A parasitic infection that can lead to liver damage and portal hypertension.
- Congenital abnormalities: Conditions such as portal vein atresia can be present at birth.
Symptoms
Symptoms can be varied and may include:
- Swollen abdomen (ascites)
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
- Bleeding from varices (enlarged veins, usually in the esophagus or stomach)
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Management and Treatment
Management of portal hypertension may involve medications to lower blood pressure in the portal system, interventions to control bleeding varices, and, in severe cases, liver transplantation. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes, such as diet and alcohol cessation, are also crucial in managing the underlying liver disease.