Portal Hypertension :
Portal hypertension is a complication of advanced liver disease and refers to elevated pressure in the portal venous system. Portal hypertension is mainly occurs due to liver cirrhosis which is caused by alcohol-induced hepatitis, non alcoholic fatty liver and hepatitis C. The other causative factors of portal hypertension are blood clots, granulomas of the liver and schistosomiasis. The symptoms of portal hypertension are bloating of stomach associated with weight gain due fluid accumulation belly, mental confusion and disorientation, swollen legs and feet, blood in vomit and blood in stools. The complications of portal hypertension, if left untreated, are ascites (fluid in the abdomen), enlarged spleen, low blood cell count, gastrointestinal bleeding, low blood oxygen, mild cognitive impairment and kidney failure. Investigations like blood tests, imaging tests like Doppler ultrasound, and endoscopy are conducted to diagnose portal hypertension. The treatment modalities to manage portal hypertension include medications like beta-blockers and vasoconstrictors, sclerotherapy and banding, oxygen therapy, paracentesis and dialysis.




