What causes Mallory Weiss tears?
Mallory Weiss tears are caused by increased pressure in the abdomen. Scientists think that the abdominal pressure forces the contents of the stomach into the esophagus, leading to tears. Causes of increased abdominal pressure include: Severe vomiting or retching. Heavy lifting or straining. Prolonged coughing. CPR. Trauma to the abdomen or chest. Some conditions increase your risk of getting a Mallory Weiss tear: Heavy alcohol use, which is involved in about 50% to 70% of people with Mallory Weiss tears. Bulimia, an eating disorder characterized by bingeing and vomiting. Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), a condition of repeated attacks of nausea, vomiting and exhaustion. Esophageal varices, enlarged veins in the esophagus. Hyperemesis gravidarum, severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus and mouth. Portal hypertension, high blood pressure in the vein that carries blood from your digestive organs to your liver. An upper endoscopy or transesophageal echocardiogram rarely causes a Mallory Weiss tear.