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When you have a blood test and your result is a high ESR, you may feel puzzled and concerned. But what is a high ESR, and should you worry?
Here in this blog we will define what a high ESR is, causes of it, symptoms that can occur, and what to do if your ESR is high. Whether you are a patient or just curious about your health, this guide will explain all in plain language.
ESR is short for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate. It is a routine blood test used to check for inflammation in the body. ESR is used to measure the rate at which red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube in one hour. If they fall too quickly, it is typically an indication that there is inflammation or some other problem in the body.
So, although ESR doesn't inform you of exactly what disease you have, it provides a signal that something is wrong and should be checked out further.
An elevated ESR will most likely indicate inflammation in the body. It may be caused by an infection, autoimmune disease, chronic disease, or other ailments. ESR is not a specific test, however. That is, it cannot diagnose any particular illness by itself. It tends to be used with other tests in order for physicians to make an accurate diagnosis.
Normal ESR values differ based on your age and sex. The following is an approximate ideaMen under 50 years of age: up to 15 millimeters per hour
If your ESR is above these ranges, your physician might want to get to the bottom of it.
What Causes High ESR?
There are numerous potential causes of high ESR. Some are insignificant, while others might signal a more serious condition.
Infection is one of the most prevalent causes of high ESR. These can be
When the body is in a state of defending against infection, it generates inflammation, and this increases ESR.
Some chronic inflammatory diseases are recognized causes of elevated ESR. These include
These diseases produce ongoing inflammation, resulting in chronically elevated levels of ESR.
Autoimmune conditions result when the immune system targets the tissues of the body. This also causes inflammation. Examples include:
Certain cancers, particularly cancers in the blood, can cause an elevated ESR. These are
In these situations, ESR is combined with other tests to follow the disease or check response to treatment.
Poor kidney function over the long term can also increase ESR. This is so because kidney problems lead to persistent inflammation in the body.
Anemia, particularly the type associated with chronic diseases, can increase ESR levels. This is so because red blood cells are affected in terms of shape and behavior.
During pregnancy, especially the latter part of it, ESR will naturally be higher. It is normal and more often than not, not an indication of anything wrong unless accompanied by other symptoms.
Individuals with obesity can have a low-grade amount of chronic inflammation, which will slightly elevate ESR.
Elderly people might also register a slight elevation of ESR without there being any severe illness.
It is worth noting that ESR itself has no symptoms. Nevertheless, the cause of elevated ESR may reveal various signs. Typical signs found in individuals with elevated ESR are
If you have any of these with a high ESR, it is wise to see your doctor for more testing.
Physicians order an ESR test when they think there may be inflammation in the body. The test assists in:
A high ESR alone cannot diagnose a disease. It helps point doctors in the right direction.
To find the real cause behind a high ESR, doctors usually combine it with other tests, such as
These tests provide a more detailed idea of what is taking place within your body.
Don't worry if your ESR is high. There are many things that can cause a transient increase in ESR, such as a minor infection or even a recent cold.
Here is what you should do -
Speak to Your Doctor
Talk over your test results and any symptoms you experience. Your physician will advise you further.
Get Further Tests
Your physician might order further blood tests or scans to determine the underlying cause.
Check ESR Over Time
In a few cases, if the cause isn't apparent, your physician might instruct you to take the ESR test again after a few weeks.
Adhere to the Treatment Plan
If the specific disease is discovered, the proper treatment will most often result in ESR coming back to normal.
There is no medication to reduce ESR directly. Doctors instead treat the underlying cause of the inflammation. When the underlying condition is treated, the ESR levels typically return to normal.
Example:
The aim is to control the disease causing the elevated ESR.
You must visit a physician if elevated ESR comes along with warning signals such as
These may be symptoms of a deeper issue that should be addressed by a physician.
An elevated ESR reading will cause concern, but it is usually the tip of a larger iceberg. Being aware of what the potential causes are and cooperating closely with your physician can help you determine exactly what is happening in your body.
Correct treatment and early detection can make all the difference. Stay aware, and don't dismiss any strange symptoms.
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