You receive a form with the results of a detailed blood test from a finger. All indicators are normal, and only ESR is increased. The attending physician says that there is no need to worry, everything is normal, and closes the sick leave. What is ESR and why determine it if no one cares about the result?
What is an ESR analysis?
In fact, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is an informative analysis. It is the state of blood plasma proteins that can tell about the inflammatory process that occurs in the body. The indicator is calculated as follows: in laboratory conditions, the time is recorded when the blood sample in the test tube is completely stratified into two layers, in which the plasma is in the upper layer, and the particles that give it a red color (erythrocytes) are in the lower one. If the red blood cells settle quickly, this means that the ESR is increased.
The indicator has a drawback: the erythrocyte sedimentation reaction manifests itself for some time. The incubation period of the disease is not fixed. In order for it to be revealed, it is necessary for the disease to enter an acute phase. In order for the ESR to return to normal again, it must also passsome time.
Therefore, the doctor looks in the analysis not so much at the erythrocyte sedimentation rate as at the reaction
other particles that carry information - leukocytes. These white blood cells are also found in the blood and are indicators of a rapid response. With the slightest deterioration in the general condition, their number increases exponentially.
Why do we need "uninformative" analysis?
In order to detect the presence of a chronic inflammatory process, this blood test is needed.
ESR increased if developing:
- tuberculosis;
- oncological processes;
- autoimmune disorders;
- rheumatic diseases.
The indicator decreases with neurosis, anemia, during diseases associated with the hematopoietic system, epilepsy.
If the patient is complaining of a general malaise, a deviation from the normal result may tell a knowledgeable physician where to look for the problem. Leukocytes do not respond to the presence of chronic diseases until an exacerbation occurs. If there were no ESR analysis, complaints would simply be dismissed.
Norm of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in adults and children
| Women | 15-20mm/hr |
| Men | 12-15mm/hr |
| Children | |
| 1 month | 4-8mm/hr |
| 6 months – 1 year | 4-10mm/hour |
| 1 year – 12 years | 4-12mm/hour |
Also, ESR is increased during acute conditions: infectious diseases, traumatic lesions, with SARS, during a heart attack, with intoxication.
Cons of analysis
The disadvantages of this analysis are considered to be the already noted delayed response to
infection and changes associated with the natural states of the body. ESR is increased in older people and in women during menstruation. The reaction of red blood cells can be affected by taking many medications, such as corticosteroids and cholagogues, changing the diet - vegetarianism, for example.
It can be seen that the reaction of erythrocytes is influenced by many completely extraneous factors that are not related to the state of he alth. That is why the indicator needs to be observed in dynamics. If several results showed a stable increase or decrease in ESR, it is imperative to find out the reason why this is happening.
No need to be shy to ask the doctor: “What does an elevated ESR mean? Why am I, despite his deviation from the norm, being closed for sick leave?”
The doctor will explain that the ESR reaction remains elevated for a week or two after the infection is defeated. Time will pass, and then, after the repeated delivery of a detailed analysis, it will be necessary to assess the state of the body. If the ESR does not return to normal, and there are he alth complaints, then additional examinations will be required to find out the causedeviations.
