What is the cause of Mallory-Weiss tears?

Mallory-Weiss tears are a result of a forceful retching or vomiting, leading to a mucosal laceration in the lower esophagus and upper stomach. This tearing occurs when there is a sudden increase in pressure within the abdominal cavity, commonly triggered by severe or prolonged bouts of vomiting or gagging.

While chronic vomiting and alcohol consumption can contribute to the risk of developing these tears, the immediate cause is directly linked to the act of retching. Retching involves the involuntary contractions of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles in preparation for vomiting, which can create enough strain to cause the mucosal lining to tear.

Acid reflux, although it can lead to esophageal irritation and complications over time, does not directly cause the sudden physical tearing of the mucosa seen in Mallory-Weiss tears. The correlation with retching highlights the significant mechanical aspect of the condition rather than other contributing factors.