DefinitionA Mallory-Weiss tear occurs in the mucous membrane of the esophagus, where it connects to the stomach. The tear may bleed.Alternative NamesMucosal lacerations - gastroesophageal junctionCauses, incidence, and risk factorsMallory-Weiss tears do not happen very often. They are usually caused by forceful or long-term vomiting or coughing. They may also be caused by epileptic convulsions.The tear may be followed by vomiting bright red blood or by passing blood in the stool. Any condition that leads to violent and lengthy bouts of coughing or vomiting can cause these tears.SymptomsBloody stoolsVomiting blood(bright red)Signs and testsCBC possibly showing low hematocritEGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) showing a tear with bleedingTreatmentThe tear usually heals in about 10 days without