Angioectasias in Texas

What are Angioectasias?

Angioectasias are weak and small (less than half an inch) blood vessels of the digestive tract (typically colon, stomach or small intestine) not only abnormally shaped, but also able to bleed. The symptoms remain not always clear, though, in case of bleeding, it can be detected as the appearance of visible blood in the stool or the hidden bleeding that causes anemia or iron deficiency.

Common Symptoms

In case of angioectasias blooding, most cases lack symptoms; but in case of bleeding:

• Stool bloody (bright red or black tarry stool will be seen)
• Loss of blood in the long run leads to fatigue or weakness
• Lightheaded or dizzyness
• Shortness of breath
• Laboratory tests that have hidden blood

Causes

The cause may not be clearly defined but the following are factors that predispose one to angioectasias:

• Weakening of blood vessels can be a result of dilapidation
• Chronic kidney disease
• Myocardial infarction or cardiovascular disease
• Low oxygen levels in the gut
• Genetic predisposition

Treatment Options for Angioectasias in Houston

Therapy comprises of endoscopic therapy, medical treatment and post treatment:

• Endoscopic therapy: Foundation Closure of bleeding with the help of argon plasma coagulation, heat probe, clipping, or band ligation during colonoscopy or enteroscopy.
• Iron therapy: To countermin anemia that is caused by chronic blood loss, iron supplementation is administered either orally or intravenously.
• Hormonal therapy: Estrogen -Progesterone hormone therapy on a portion of patients to reduce recurring bleeding.
• Blood transfusions: The red blood cells which are taken due to acute or severe blood loss are packed and are administered to stabilize hemoglobin.
• Repeat endoscopy: Repeat follow-ups being made to identify and treat new/ recurrent angioectasias.
• Diet and supplementation: Iron-containing any diet and vitamin B12 /folate supplementation with the aim of enhancing the formation of healthy red blood cells.