What could cause an esophageal tear?

Question

After experiencing nausea, vomiting, and later vomiting of blood, I went to the local emergency room. After many avenues were explored, it was found that I have an esophageal tear. What might cause this? They offered no insight.

Thank you.

Answer 1

frequent vomiting

Answer 2

Foods.

Any small fish bones, items of that nature.

Was it acid reflux-related?

Because that can cause sort-of tears.

Answer 3

Not sure what you have since I haven't seen you or treated you. For the most part the most common cause of benign esophageal tear is vomiting. It's super common.  I'm very surprised that you got "blank stares" when you asked what caused it since docs see this ALL THE TIME, especially with all the drunks we treat in the ER. There is a medical term for this it's Mallory-Weiss Tear.

Other causes of "tears" are: fish bones, swallowing of coins, esophageal ulceration/cancer, or after a surgical procedure, or endoscopy (scope into your esophagus) but these can be very serious and have bad consequences. No doc would let you out of the hospital if you had this type of problem.