A Mallory-Weiss tear results from prolonged and forceful vomiting,
coughing or convulsions. Typically the mucous membrane at the
junction of the esophagus and the stomach develops lacerations
which bleed, evident by bright red blood in vomitus, or bloody
stools. It may occur as a result of excessive alcohol ingestion.
This is an acute condition which usually resolves within 10 days
without special treatment.
Review Date: 11/11/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of
Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San
Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
