Unless the varices have ruptured, the person is unlikely to have any symptoms. Once a rupture occurs, there will usually be signs that the esophageal varices are bleeding. The person may vomit blood or see evidence of blood in stools, which will look black and tar-like. If the bleeding is severe, he or she may feel unwell or even fall unconscious. Even if the person has no symptoms, a doctor may suspect esophageal varices if the patient has, or is suspected to have, liver disease.

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