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Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures Heartburn? Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow

In this Article

• Introduction to digestive problems and bleeding varices
• What are the symptoms of bleeding Varices?
• How are bleeding varices treated?
• Can bleeding varices be prevented?
• Bleeding Varices Glossary
• Bleeding Varices Index

Can Bleeding Varices Be Prevented?

Treating the underlying cause of bleeding varices can help prevent their recurrence and treating liver disease earlier on may prevent their development. Certain medications including the class of heart drugs called "beta-blockers" may reduce elevated portal pressure and reduce the likelihood of bleeding. Long acting nitroglycerines are also used for this purpose."

SOURCES:

American Academy of Family Physicians. Emedicine. National Institutes of Health.

Reviewed by Venkat Mohan, MD on September 13, 2008

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