This digestive syndrome can be very impressive but is generally benign.
Mallory-Weiss syndrome is a complication triggered by following violent vomiting causing vomiting blood called “hematemesis”: “The syndrome corresponds to digestive hemorrhage occurring during vomiting efforts”explains Dr. Stéphane Leclaire, gastroenterologist. “Following these repeated vomiting efforts, a ulceration of the esophagogastric junction, that is to say the bottom of the esophagus, can rupture blood vessels, causing bleeding. continues the doctor. This is a syndrome quite common since it represents “3 to 10% upper digestive bleeding”, this incidence is probably underestimated because in the majority of cases, those affected do not seek medical attention. The syndrome does not cause serious complications most of the time
What are the causes ?
Mallory-Weiss syndrome occurs following efforts to vomit food, bile or even stomach fluid. This vomiting may be due to gastroenteritisfood intolerance, a virus or occurring as part of a acute alcoholism. People suffering from alcoholism represent a large proportion of patients affected by Mallory-Weiss syndrome: “With these pathologies we vomit a lot, the last vomits are bloody due to the strain on the esophagogastric junction” calls back the doctor. “Vomiting blood can be maddening but you must go to the EMERGENCIES to have a first blood test and an measurement of constants.” These examinations are used to check for potential signs of seriousness – even if they remain rare – such as tachycardia (increased pulse rate), high blood pressure or even the presence of anemia. In 2% of cases, these serious signs can lead to a state of shock which can lead to faintness.
A syndrome that usually heals on its own
Most of the time Mallory-Weiss syndrome heals on its own and the patient does not seek medical attention. Emergency treatment will depend on the severity of the bleeding: “During a visit to the emergency room and after a blood test, the patient will undergo a gastroscopy that is, an examination of the stomach with a gastroenterologist.” This examination consists of passing a camera through the mouth to view the bottom of the esophagus and look for the tear. “The patient will also begin a antacid treatment through the veins with drugs that inhibit the proton pump, to prevent the acidity of the stomach from worsening the tear. explains Dr. Stéphane Leclaire. The establishment ofone or more clips on the torn area can also take place to stop the bleeding.
Thanks to Dr. Stéphane Leclaire, gastroenterologist.