Which of the following is NOT a symptom of esophageal varices?

The correct answer, indicating which option is not a symptom of esophageal varices, is increased appetite. Esophageal varices are enlarged veins in the esophagus that can rupture and cause significant bleeding, often associated with liver diseases such as cirrhosis.

Patients with esophageal varices typically experience symptoms related to the underlying liver disease, such as anorexia, weight loss, and sometimes jaundice. Anorexia refers to a loss of appetite, which is common due to the body's response to liver dysfunction and the overall illness, while weight loss can result from prolonged anorexia and malnutrition.

Severe itching of the skin, or pruritus, can also be associated with liver disease due to the accumulation of bile salts that the impaired liver cannot process effectively, leading to skin manifestations.

In contrast, an increased appetite is generally not seen in individuals suffering from conditions that lead to esophageal varices. In fact, the overall trend is toward reduced appetite and significant weight loss, reflecting the body's inability to manage nutrients when liver function is compromised.