
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions β written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Portal hypertension history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The majority of patients with portal hypertension are asymptomatic. Patients with portal hypertension may have a positive history of intravenous drug use (IVDU), tattooing or piercing in unhygienic condition, needlestick injury, blood transfusion before 1992, viral hepatitis, and unprotected sexual intercourse. All of the clinical symptoms are associated with complications of the portal hypertension. Common symptoms of portal hypertension include hematemesis, melena, abdominal distention (ascites), fatigue, and loss of appetite.
History and Symptoms
History and Symptoms
- The majority of patients with portal hypertension are asymptomatic.
- All of the clinical symptoms are associated with complications of the portal hypertension.
History
Patients with portal hypertension may have a positive history of:[1]
- Intravenous drug use (IVDU)
- Tattooing or piercing in unhygienic condition
- Needlestick injury
- Blood transfusion before 1992
- Viral hepatitis
- Unprotected sexual intercourse
- Schistosomiasis in childhood
- Family history of hereditary liver disease (e. g., hemochromatosis, Wilson disease)
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of portal hypertension include:[2]
Less Common Symptoms
Less common symptoms of portal hypertension include:[2]
References
References
- β Flores YN, Lang CM, SalmerΓ³n J, Bastani R (2012). “Risk factors for liver disease and associated knowledge and practices among Mexican adults in the US and Mexico”. J Community Health. 37 (2): 403β11. doi:10.1007/s10900-011-9457-4. PMIDΒ 21877109.
- β 2.0 2.1 Bloom S, Kemp W, Lubel J (2015). “Portal hypertension: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management”. Intern Med J. 45 (1): 16β26. doi:10.1111/imj.12590. PMIDΒ 25230084.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Eiman Ghaffarpasand, M.D. [2]
