The portal vein is a large blood vessel that delivers blood from the intestines to the liver. Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure in that vein and its branches. Causes for portal hypertension include an increased amount of blood going through the blood vessels and a resistance to the blood. Cirrhosis of the liver---from chronic alcohol intake--causes scaring of the liver and creates the conditions for portal hypertension to occur, states the Merck Manual of Medical Information. Portal hypertension does not cause symptoms itself, but creates additional medical conditions with their own symptoms.
Ascites
Portal hypertension causes ascites, which is a collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity. This fluid surrounds the organs in the abdomen and causes the stomach to swell and protrude. An individual with ascites may also experience discomfort due to the fluid. A loss of appetite and shortness of breath caused by the fluid pressing on the stomach and lungs is common.
Internal Bleeding
The body creates new veins to combat the condition. These new veins bypass the liver and connect to the area between the top of the stomach and bottom of the esophagus. They can also develop in the rectum. These veins then become varicose veins. Varicose veins are characterized by their enlargement and twisting, states the Merck Manual. The new veins bleed easily and may cause severe internal bleeding. Bleeding from the stomach causes pain and bloody vomit. Blood in the vomit can resemble coffee grounds. Bleeding from the rectum causes bloody stool. The blood in stool may appear black and tarry.
Enlarged Spleen
Because of the blockage of blood to the liver, the large amounts of blood returning to the spleen can cause the spleen to enlarge. An enlarged spleen will collect and trap an increased amount of platelets and white blood cells. Lower levels of the platelets and white blood cells are available for the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The decreased amount of platelets increases the chance of abnormal bleeding because the platelets are responsible for clotting. An individual may begin to bruise easily and have difficulty controlling the bleeding from wounds. A decreased amount of white blood cells in the body increases the chance of infections because the white blood cells are not available to fight the foreign invaders.
Encephalopathy
Encephalopathy is brain damage caused by the liver disease. Portal hypertension causes the blood to flow away from the liver, taking the toxins that would have been filtered through the liver with it. The toxins remaining in the blood cause the decrease in brain function. Symptoms of encephalopathy include forgetfulness, confusion and decreased concentration.
