Rheumatic Diseases

A list of the most common we treat.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels. It happens when the body's immune system attacks the blood vessel by mistake. It can happen because of an infection, a medicine, or another disease. The cause is often unknown.

Vasculitis can affect arteries, veins and capillaries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the heart to the body's organs. Veins are the vessels that carry blood back to the heart. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect the small arteries and veins.

When a blood vessel becomes inflamed, it can :
    Narrow, making it more difficult for blood to get through
    Close off completely so that blood can't get through
    Stretch and weaken so much that it bulges. (The bulge is called an aneurysm. If it bursts, it can cause dangerous bleeding inside the body.)

Symptoms of vasculitis can vary, but usually include fever, swelling and a general sense of feeling ill. The main goal of treatment is to stop the inflammation. Steroids and other medicines to stop inflammation are often helpful.

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Address

820 Jordan St, Ste 201         
Shreveport, LA 71101

Contacts

Phone: (318) 221.0399
Fax: (318) 221.1940