You feel fine, nothing causes serious concern... And suddenly, when you take your next blood test, it turns out that your erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has changed. Should I worry? How important is the value of this indicator and what should be done in such a situation? Let's figure it out together.
ESR analysis: what is it?
ESR (ESR) - erythrocyte sedimentation rate - is a very important characteristic that can indirectly indicate inflammatory and pathological processes in the body, including those occurring in a latent form. The ESR indicator is influenced by a number of factors, including: infectious diseases, fever, chronic inflammation. If you receive an ESR analysis result that does not meet the standard values, the doctor will always prescribe an additional examination to identify the cause of the deviation.
To determine the level of ESR, an anticoagulant (a substance that prevents clotting) is added to the blood taken for analysis. Then this composition is placed in a vertically mounted container for one hour. The specific gravity of red blood cells is higher than the specific gravity of plasma. That is why, under the influence of gravity, red blood cells settle to the bottom. The blood is divided into 2 layers. Plasma remains in the upper one, and red blood cells accumulate in the lower one. After this, the height of the top layer is measured. The number corresponding to the boundary between red blood cells and plasma on the test tube scale will be the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, measured in millimeters per hour.
Why is a blood test important?
Blood consists of plasma and formed elements: red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets, the balance of which reflects the state of the patient’s body. Many pathological processes develop asymptomatically, so a timely analysis often helps to identify a number of diseases in the early stages, which allows them to begin to treat them on time and avoid many problems.
When is an erythrocyte sedimentation rate test prescribed?
Determination of ESR is necessary in the following situations:
- for diagnostics and preventive examinations;
- to monitor the patient's condition during treatment;
- for infectious diseases;
- for inflammatory diseases;
- for autoimmune disorders;
- in the presence of oncological processes occurring in the body.
Preparing and carrying out the blood sampling procedure
An ESR test does not require special preparation, but before donating blood you need to follow a few simple rules.
Firstly, one day before the test you should refrain from drinking alcohol, and 40–60 minutes from smoking. Secondly, you should not eat food 4–5 hours before the test; you can only drink still water. Thirdly, if you take medications, check with your doctor, as it is advisable to stop taking medications before the study. And most importantly, try to avoid any emotional and physical overload before the test.
Methodology for performing analysis
Determination of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is carried out in one of two ways: the Panchenkov method or the Westergren method.
Panchenkov method
A five percent solution of sodium citrate (anticoagulant) is poured into a capillary divided into 100 divisions to the “P” mark. After this, the capillary is filled with blood (biomaterial is taken from a finger) to the “K” mark. The contents of the vessel are mixed, then placed strictly vertically. ESR readings are taken after an hour.
Westergren method
For the Westergren test, blood from a vein is needed. It is mixed with sodium citrate 3.8% in a ratio of 4:1. Another option: blood from a vein is mixed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and then diluted with the same sodium citrate or saline in a 4:1 ratio. The analysis is carried out in special test tubes with a scale of 200 mm. ESR is determined after an hour.
This method is recognized in worldwide practice. The fundamental difference is the type of tubes and scale used. The results of both methods coincide in standard values. However, the Westergren method is more sensitive to increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and in this situation the results will be more accurate compared to the Panchenkov method.
Decoding the ESR analysis
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate test results are usually available within one business day, not including the day of blood donation. However, commercial medical centers with their own laboratory can provide test results more quickly - within two hours after collecting the biomaterial.
So, you have received a form with the result of the ESR analysis. On the left you will see this abbreviation (either ROE or ESR), and on the right - your result, indicated in mm/h. To find out how much it corresponds to the norm, you should correlate it with the reference (average) values corresponding to your age and gender. The normal ESR indicators for men and women of different ages are as follows:
The ESR norm in women is slightly higher than in men. The indicator also changes during pregnancy - this is a natural process. The value may also depend on the time of day. The maximum ESR value is usually reached around noon.
ESR is increased
An increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate can be caused by a variety of reasons. Let's look at the main ones:
- Infectious diseases - both acute (bacterial) and chronic.
- Inflammatory processes occurring in various organs and tissues.
- Connective tissue diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, systemic scleroderma, vasculitis).
- Oncological diseases of various localizations.
- Myocardial infarction (damage to the heart muscle occurs, this entails a systemic inflammatory response, resulting in an increase in ESR). After a heart attack, the ESR peaks about a week later.
- Anemia. With these diseases, a decrease in the number of red blood cells and an acceleration of their sedimentation rate are observed.
- Burns, injuries.
- Amyloidosis is a disease associated with the accumulation of pathological protein in tissues.
However, elevated ESR can also be observed in healthy people. For example, in women during menstruation and pregnancy. Also, the result of the analysis is affected by some medications, for example, oral contraceptives, theophylline, and taking synthesized vitamin A.
note
The ESR may be increased in people who are overweight. This is due to increased cholesterol levels in their blood.
ESR is reduced
Doctors often note a decrease in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate reaction in diseases such as erythrocytosis, leukocytosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, and hepatitis. ESR also decreases with polycythemia (an increase in the number of red blood cells) and conditions leading to it, such as chronic heart failure or lung diseases.
Another reason for a decrease in ESR is pathologies in which changes in the shape of red blood cells occur. This may be sickle cell anemia or hereditary spherocytosis. These diseases make it difficult for erythrocytes to settle.
In addition, ESR can be lowered in “radical” vegetarians, that is, those who do not consume not only meat, but also any food of animal origin.
It should be remembered that the ESR test is one of the nonspecific laboratory blood tests. An increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate is observed in a variety of diseases. In addition, this indicator may be elevated under certain circumstances and in healthy people. Therefore, a diagnosis cannot be made based on the results of this study alone. To detail the latter, it is recommended to undergo additional tests, including a quantitative analysis of C-reactive protein, leukocyte count, and rheumatoid factor.
Wednesday, 03/28/2018
Editorial opinion
A high erythrocyte sedimentation rate is not a reason to panic. However, to avoid unnecessary worry, it is better to consult a doctor and get tested to find out the cause of the deviation from the norm and, if necessary, take action. Paying attention to your health should become mandatory for each of us.
When receiving the results of a general blood test, each person wants to figure it out and understand his indicators himself, even if the doctor tells him the general state of health. Today we will deal with such an indicator as ESR, find out how much ESR should be in the blood and what an ESR indicator in the blood that differs from the norm to a lesser or greater extent indicates.
What does the ESR indicator mean in a general blood test?
ESR is an abbreviation, the full meaning of which is “erythrocyte sedimentation rate.” Any blood consists of plasma and cells of various origins dissolved in it. The most famous blood cells are platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes. Each of them is responsible for a specific function, and deviation of any characteristic from the norm entails a disease of varying severity.
Red blood cells make up the majority of the corpuscles. That is why an analysis aimed at the separation of blood cells and plasma is simply called erythrocyte sedimentation rate - ESR.
Sometimes, as a result of a general blood test, a concept such as “ROE” is encountered. ESR and ROE are the same thing; ROE literally means “erythrocyte sedimentation reaction,” which is essentially the same thing. Any general blood test should contain an ESR indicator, since ESR is indicated in a blood test not by some intricate code or set of Latin letters, then anyone can recognize and evaluate it.
ESR is a nonspecific indicator, which means that it reacts both to mild viral diseases (even such as a runny nose) and is a reaction to severe pathologies (cancer). Therefore, ESR is not used as an analysis by which a diagnosis can be accurately established, however, together with other results, it is important and is widely used to monitor the dynamics of the disease or recovery.
What does ESR show in a blood test?
The ESR reacts to any inflammatory process unfolding in the body, and the extent to which the ESR will deviate from the permissible value depends on the severity of the disease.
Based on the results of ESR, one can also predict the onset or development of cancer.
If the change in ESR is not large, this may not be suspicious for the disease. For example, during a strict diet, psychological stress and excessive physical activity, the ESR changes. It must be said that even if you take a general blood test not on an empty stomach, as is customary, but after having a hearty breakfast, the ESR value will have an inaccurate result.
In general, ESR shows how quickly cells in the blood settle to the bottom of a specially graduated test tube in one hour. Their movement can be affected by:
- number and size of red blood cells;
- the appearance of proteins that respond to inflammation;
- increase in the number of fibrinogen;
- an increase in the number of immunoglobulins in the blood;
- increased cholesterol;
- other reasons;
What is the normal level of ESR in the blood in adults?
The ESR indicator may depend on age, gender, physiological and mental state. It happens that a completely healthy person has a standard ESR value that differs from those generally accepted.
Norm for children:
- 0-several days: 1 mm/h;
- 0-6 months: 2-4 mm/h;
- 6-12 months: 4-9 mm/h;
- 1-10 years: 4-12 mm/h;
- up to 18 years: 2-12 mm/h.
Norm for women:
- 2-16 mm/h;
- during pregnancy up to 45 mm/h;
Norm for men:
- 1-12 mm/h.
ESR is higher than normal: what does it mean?
Often it is the increase in blood sedimentation rate that is of interest to the doctor. If a blood test shows an elevated ESR that is significantly different from the norm, the doctor should prescribe further examination that will help determine the cause of this deviation.
If the ESR value is slightly increased, a repeat blood test can solve this problem. The fact is that the speed at which blood cells move increases with increasing temperature. And factors such as increased temperature in the laboratory, temporary overheating or cooling of the body can significantly affect the result.
ESR increases with:
- inflammatory process.
Moreover, ESR can be influenced by both serious illnesses (pneumonia) and minor colds (ESR with allergies, by the way, also changes its indicator).
- with pneumonia;
- for sinusitis
- heart attacks and strokes.
This can also be associated with inflammation, since damage to the heart tissue that occurs during a heart attack causes an inflammatory impulse in the body, which is detected by the ESR analysis.
- tumors.
Often, by analyzing the ESR, it is possible to preliminarily determine whether there are neoplasms in the body. If the result differs from how much ESR should be in a healthy person by 60-80 units or more, but there are no noticeable viral, infectious and bacteriological diseases, then the probability of detecting tumors during further examination is very high.
- for any viral and infectious disease
since in this case the body produces a large amount of immunoglobulins, which slow down the movement of red blood cells.
- for certain conditions in women
In general, the ESR rate in women is higher than in men of the same age. However, during menstruation, ESR tends to increase even more. During pregnancy, ESR increases by several dozen, and this figure is considered normal. ESR also changes during menopause, before menstruation and after childbirth; the norm in the latter case can vary over several days. In particular, blood loss, and as a consequence a decrease in hemoglobin levels, can cause an increase in ESR.
- for tuberculosis;
- for diabetes;
- after operation;
When a person loses any significant amount of blood or suffers an injury, the ESR level may increase. This is due to the fact that in an emergency dangerous situation the body slightly changes the composition of the blood, which, of course, affects the rate of its deposition. It is difficult to judge how long it takes for ESR to recover after an illness, because everything depends on the severity of the disease, the individual characteristics of the person and the damage caused to the body. In some cases, recovery may take several months.
- with HIV infection;
- with anemia;
- with cirrhosis of the liver;
- with cirrhosis;
If you have received the result of your blood test and are worried about your condition, ask your doctor what the ESR indicator in the general blood test means in your case. You shouldn’t push yourself if the result differs from the norm; to make or refute a diagnosis, you need to completely examine the body.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) is a laboratory analysis that allows you to evaluate the rate of separation of blood into plasma and red blood cells. The essence of the study: red blood cells are heavier than plasma and white blood cells, so under the influence of gravity they sink to the bottom of the test tube. In healthy people, red blood cell membranes have a negative charge and repel each other, which slows down the rate of sedimentation. But during illness, a number of changes occur in the blood:
Content increases fibrinogen, as well as alpha and gamma globulins and C-reactive protein. They accumulate on the surface of red blood cells and cause them to stick together in the form of coin columns;
Concentration decreases albumin, which prevents red blood cells from sticking together;
Violated blood electrolyte balance. This leads to a change in the charge of the red blood cells, causing them to stop repelling.
As a result, the red blood cells stick together. Clusters are heavier than individual red blood cells, they sink to the bottom faster, as a result of which erythrocyte sedimentation rate increases. There are four groups of diseases that cause an increase in ESR:
infections
malignant tumors
rheumatological (systemic) diseases
kidney disease
What you should know about ESR
The determination is not a specific analysis. ESR can increase in numerous diseases that cause quantitative and qualitative changes in plasma proteins.
In 2% of patients (even with serious diseases), the ESR level remains normal.
ESR increases not from the first hours, but on the 2nd day of the disease.
After illness, ESR remains elevated for several weeks, sometimes months. This indicates recovery.
Sometimes ESR rises to 100 mm/hour in healthy people.
ESR increases after eating to 25 mm/hour, so tests must be taken on an empty stomach.
If the temperature in the laboratory is above 24 degrees, then the process of red blood cell gluing is disrupted and the ESR decreases.
ESR is an integral part of the general blood test.
The essence of the method for determining the erythrocyte sedimentation rate? The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the Westergren technique. It is used by modern laboratories to determine ESR. But in municipal clinics and hospitals they traditionally use the Panchenkov method. Westergren method. Mix 2 ml of venous blood and 0.5 ml of sodium citrate, an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting. The mixture is drawn into a thin cylindrical tube to a level of 200 mm. The test tube is placed vertically in a stand. After an hour, the distance from the upper boundary of the plasma to the level of red blood cells is measured in millimeters. Automatic ESR meters are often used. Unit of measurement of ESR - mm/hour. Panchenkov's method. Capillary blood from a finger is examined. In a glass pipette with a diameter of 1 mm, draw up a solution of sodium citrate to the 50 mm mark. It is blown into a test tube. After this, blood is drawn twice with a pipette and blown into a test tube with sodium citrate. Thus, a ratio of anticoagulant to blood of 1:4 is obtained. This mixture is drawn into a glass capillary to a level of 100 mm and placed in a vertical position. The results are assessed after an hour, just like with the Westergren method.
The Westergren determination is considered a more sensitive method, so the ESR level is slightly higher than when examined by the Panchenkov method.
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Reasons for increasing ESR |
Reasons for reduced ESR |
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Menstrual cycle. ESR rises sharply before menstrual bleeding and decreases to normal during menstruation. This is associated with changes in the hormonal and protein composition of the blood at different periods of the cycle. Pregnancy. ESR increases from the 5th week of pregnancy to the 4th week after birth. The maximum level of ESR reaches 3-5 days after the birth of the child, which is associated with injuries during childbirth. During normal pregnancy, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate can reach 40 mm/h. |
Physiological (non-disease related) fluctuations in ESR levels Newborns. In infants, the ESR is low due to decreased fibrinogen levels and a large number of red blood cells in the blood. |
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Infections and inflammatory processes(bacterial, viral and fungal) infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract: sore throat, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia inflammation of the ENT organs: otitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis dental diseases: stomatitis, dental granulomas diseases of the cardiovascular system: phlebitis, myocardial infarction, acute pericarditis urinary tract infections: cystitis, urethritis inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs: adnexitis, prostatitis, salpingitis, endometritis inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: cholecystitis, colitis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer abscesses and phlegmons tuberculosis connective tissue diseases: collagenoses viral hepatitis systemic fungal infections |
Reasons for decreased ESR: recovery from a recent viral infection astheno-neurotic syndrome, exhaustion of the nervous system: fatigue, lethargy, headaches cachexia – extreme degree of exhaustion of the body long-term use of glucocorticoids, which led to inhibition of the anterior pituitary gland hyperglycemia – increased blood sugar levels bleeding disorder severe traumatic brain injuries and concussions. |
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Malignant tumors malignant tumors of any location blood cancer |
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Rheumatological (autoimmune) diseases rheumatism rheumatoid arthritis hemorrhagic vasculitis systemic scleroderma systemic lupus erythematosus |
Taking medications can reduce ESR: salicylates - aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – diclofenac, nemid sulfa drugs – sulfasalazine, salazopyrine immunosuppressants – penicillamine hormonal drugs – tamoxifen, Nolvadex vitamin B12 |
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Kidney diseases pyelonephritis glomerulonephritis nephrotic syndrome chronic renal failure |
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Injuries conditions after surgery spinal cord injuries |
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Medicines that can cause an increase in ESR: morphine hydrochloride dextran methyldopa vitamin D |
It must be remembered that uncomplicated viral infections do not cause an increase in ESR. This diagnostic sign helps determine that the disease is caused by bacteria. Therefore, when ESR increases, antibiotics are often prescribed. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 1-4 mm/h is considered slow. This reaction occurs when the level of fibrinogen, responsible for blood clotting, decreases. And also with an increase in the negative charge of red blood cells as a result of changes in the electrolyte balance of the blood. It should be noted that taking these drugs may cause a falsely low ESR result in bacterial infections and rheumatoid diseases.
The study of ESR is one of the most common methods in laboratory practice and is part of a general clinical blood test.
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is the rate of separation of uncoagulated blood into two layers: the lower layer, consisting of settled red blood cells, and the upper layer of transparent plasma.
ESR process
The process of erythrocyte sedimentation consists of 3 phases:
- Aggregation - the primary formation of columns of red blood cells
- Sedimentation - rapid appearance of the erythroplasmic boundary, continued formation of columns of erythrocytes and their sedimentation
- Compaction - completion of aggregation of red blood cells and sedimentation of columns of red blood cells at the bottom of the test tube
ESR analyzer Alifax Roller 20PN
What does ESR show?
ESR is not a specific indicator for any particular disease, that is, it is impossible to establish a specific diagnosis based on its increase.
This test is considered useful for identifying hidden forms of various diseases and determining the activity of chronic inflammatory conditions. ESR can also serve as an indicator of the effectiveness of therapy.
However, measuring ESR is in no way used to diagnose cancer.
What are the reasons for increased ESR?
An elevated ESR is a sign of any disease associated with significant tissue damage, inflammation, infection, or malignant cancer.
In all infectious and inflammatory diseases, the immune system responds by increasing the production of immunoglobulins. This in turn increases the tendency of red blood cells to aggregate and form red blood cell columns. Repeated studies of ESR make it possible to evaluate the dynamics of the infectious process and the effectiveness of treatment.
Also, the ESR is influenced by many other factors that determine the physicochemical state of the plasma: viscosity, electrolyte composition of the plasma, the ratio between cholesterol and lecithin in the plasma, the content of acids in it, etc.
The main reasons for increasing ESR:
- Any inflammatory process in the body, for example, arthritis, accelerates ESR due to the production of large amounts of “acute phase proteins of inflammation.”
- A number of diseases in which tissue damage occurs - myocardial infarction, destructive pancreatitis, etc.
- Surgical interventions are also accompanied by an increase in ESR.
- A decrease in the number of red blood cells in patients with anemia also leads to an increase in ESR.
- All infectious diseases are usually accompanied by an acceleration of ESR.
- Obesity.
- An error during a blood test, for example, incorrect temperature conditions.
- An increase in ESR is noted in elderly patients.
How to calculate the individual ESR norm in elderly patients?
The easiest way is to use Miller's formula:
For example, the permissible ESR limit for a 60-year-old woman is:
(60 years + 10) : 2 = 35 mm/hour
When changes are detected in a clinical blood test, the first thing the patient does is go to a general practitioner. A useful point is that ESR is included in the Clinical Blood Test, which means that the doctor simultaneously sees the level of leukocytes, platelets, and hemoglobin. When making a diagnosis, the doctor first chooses between three groups: infections, immune diseases and conditions, and malignant diseases. The doctor interviews and examines the patient, after which, based on symptoms, examination and diagnostic data, he determines further tactics.
If the reason for the increase in ESR has not been identified, the analysis should be repeated after 1-3 months. Normalization of the indicator is observed in almost 80% of cases.
ESR and oncology
In the absence of an inflammatory and infectious disease, a significant increase in ESR should raise suspicion regarding the presence of a malignant tumor. At the first suspicion of its presence, a consultation with an oncologist and a thorough additional examination using high-tech equipment and competent specialists are necessary.
Oncology is a multifactorial disease, accompanied by both inflammatory processes and anemia, metabolic disorders, and therefore causing the body to release a large amount of active substances and proteins. Therefore, most patients with various forms of malignant tumors have an elevated ESR.
For example, ESR in lung cancer may increase in the presence of pneumonia near the tumor. With colon or stomach cancer, severe anemia occurs, which leads to an increase in ESR.
There is no specific level for each tumor; most often, the increase is due to a combination of many factors.
The highest level of ESR (80-90 mm/h or more) associated with oncology is usually determined in diseases grouped as “paraproteinemias” (myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia). With these diseases, structurally abnormal and functionally defective proteins appear in the blood, which leads to changes in the blood.
Is ESR always elevated in cancer?
Any doctor who has worked in medicine for at least several years will answer this question: Just as with a high ESR there may be no cancer, a low ESR does not mean its absence. Identifying such a complex diagnosis as cancer requires a simultaneous study of symptoms, a thorough examination of the patient and, of course, data from laboratory and instrumental examinations.
Every day, more and more new ways to diagnose diseases appear in the world of medicine. Despite this, a general blood test is still the most important. This is the first study that doctors refer to for any complaints. In the general analysis, leukocytes, hemoglobin, platelets and other significant components are assessed. Along with them, one of the main indicators that helps assess the patient’s condition will be ESR.
What is ESR?
ESR - this term is deciphered by the capital letters of its full name - “erythrocyte sedimentation rate”. Now let's take a closer look at what kind of indicator this is, what can it talk about?ESR is very important. Any deviation from normal indicators will indicate the presence of a certain inflammatory focus in a person’s body. In order to correctly determine the ESR level, the test must be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. Otherwise, the results may be unreliable.
ESR shows us the degree to which red blood cells are deposited over a certain period of time.
Analysis of ESR allows, in combination with other indicators, to assess the state of the body. It can also be used to track the dynamics of the disease and judge the correctness of the choice of a specific treatment.
This indicator is very sensitive; it usually reacts in the earliest stages of the disease, when there are no clinical symptoms yet. The level of ESR increases in infectious, rheumatological, and oncological diseases.
It happens that ESR can increase even under severe stress, physical fatigue, and dietary restrictions. But in this case, its increase is short-term.
Important! If the ESR level is high for a long time, you should be carefully examined to determine the cause.
How is ESR determined?
ESR in the blood is usually determined by two methods: according to Westergren and according to Panchenkov.The technique by which analysis is most often performed is the Panchenkov method. Its essence is to mix capillary blood with sodium citrate (an anticoagulant), after which it will separate into two layers. The bottom layer will contain red blood cells, the top layer will contain plasma and white blood cells.
A number of factors can be identified that will influence the erythrocyte sedimentation rate:
- Red blood cell count. If their amount in the blood is reduced, then sedimentation will occur faster. Accordingly, if their content is increased, it means that they will settle more slowly.
- When an infection occurs, the immune system will respond by producing special antibodies, which causes the ESR to increase.
- With increased acidity of the blood, the ESR will also increase.
Normal ESR in the blood
ESR standards are variable and may depend on the patient’s age, gender, psychological state, weight, and individual characteristics.- norm for men: 1-12 mm/h
- norm for women: 2-16 mm/h
- in pregnant women, ESR will always be elevated: up to 45 mm/h
- normal for children:
- in the first days of life – 1 mm/h;
- 0-6 months – 2-4 mm/h;
- 6 months – 1 year – 4-9mm/h;
- 1-10 years – 4-12 mm/h;
- up to 18 years – 2-12 mm/h.
ESR: norm, reasons for increase (video)
After watching this video, you can get an idea of what ESR is, get a little familiar with its norms and find out why it may be increased.
Reasons for decreased ESR
Low ESR values do not always indicate health problems. The following reasons are identified:- Cholecystitis, liver diseases. As a result of these diseases, an increased amount of bile is produced.
- Increased number of red blood cells.
- Heart failure.
- Increased blood acidity.
- Deficiency of vitamins and minerals. May be low for vegans, in this case it is considered as a variant of the norm.
- Sickle cell anemia. Red blood cells have an irregular shape and, accordingly, settle more slowly.
Reasons for increasing ESR
There are many reasons why the erythrocyte sedimentation rate may increase. Let's start with the fact that there may be elementary physiological reasons for this.These include:
- dietary restrictions, all kinds of diets and fasting;
- pregnancy;
- the presence of menstruation at the time of taking the analysis;
- allergies;
- the blood test was not taken on an empty stomach (you cannot eat 8 hours before donating blood);
- helminthiasis.
- Autoimmune diseases and collagenoses: systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, rheumatism, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, periarteritis nodosa, rheumatoid polyarthritis, bronchial asthma, etc.
- Infectious diseases. Acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, influenza, cystitis, pyelonephritis and others. All of these diseases cause a strong immune response and increased production of antibodies. And a high concentration of immunoglobulins in the blood increases ESR.
- Oncology.
- Pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Myocardial infarction. Damaged cardiac muscle tissue initiates an inflammatory response, resulting in increased fibrinogen synthesis, which leads to an increase in ESR.
- Endocrine diseases. Diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism.
- Kidney diseases – hydronephrosis, glomerulonephritis, urolithiasis.
- Conditions in which blood viscosity increases. Severe food poisoning, intestinal obstruction, blood transfusion.
- Injuries, burns.
- Diseases associated with metabolic disorders. Cystic fibrosis, obesity.
Increased ESR in the blood in women and men
In females, an increase in ESR may be due to:- taking oral contraceptives;
- menstruation;
- period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- eating disorders. Women often abuse low-calorie diets.
In some men (about 5-8%), the ESR is slightly increased, this is also a variant of the norm. It may be a matter of lifestyle, abuse of bad habits, or simply personal characteristics.
Increased ESR in the blood of a child
High ESR in children is often due to the same reasons as in adults.- infectious diseases;
- allergies;
- severe intoxication of the body;
- injuries;
- impaired metabolism;
- worms.
Note! If the ESR is slightly increased, the reason may be different: lack of vitamins, teething, taking medications.
To find out the cause, parents should take care of a thorough examination of the child.
How to reduce ESR
A high ESR in itself is not a pathology. It only indicates that there is some kind of disease in the body. Its normalization will occur when the disease is completely cured.In most cases, elimination of the inflammatory process in the body is required. To determine the exact diagnosis, additional studies are carried out. After this, the doctor makes his verdict and prescribes proper treatment. After the disease is cured, the ESR decreases.
Poor blood tests are often associated with liver problems. She may suffer due to poor nutrition, alcohol, excess weight, infectious and viral diseases. As a result, the liver does not have time to perform the function of cleansing the body of toxins, and they enter the bloodstream. As a result, the ESR may deviate from normal values. Then treatment measures should be aimed at eliminating this problem. You can take medications to support liver function, liver herbal teas.
