ESR or erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a laboratory test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube over a period of one hour. Elevated ESR, also known as high ESR, is a common finding in various diseases. High ESR can be caused by several factors such as infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases [1].
ESR High Symptoms
High ESR is a non-specific laboratory finding, and therefore, it may not present any symptoms in some cases. However, in some cases, high ESR may be associated with several symptoms that can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some of the causes of high ESR include the following:Â
- Infections
Infections such as bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can cause an increase in ESR. High ESR is often seen in patients with acute infections. This is because, during an infection, the immune system activates a cascade of inflammatory processes, which cause the liver to produce more proteins, including fibrinogen and C-reactive protein. These proteins cause red blood cells to clump together, resulting in an elevated ESR. Symptoms of infections may include fever, chills, fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, and weight loss [2].
- Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel disease can also cause high ESR. In these conditions, the immune system attacks the body’s tissues, resulting in inflammation. The inflammation causes the liver to produce more proteins, leading to an elevated ESR. Symptoms of these conditions may include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth, skin rashes, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and rectal bleeding [3].
- Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus can also cause high ESR. In these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues, causing inflammation. The inflammation leads to an elevated ESR. Symptoms of autoimmune diseases may include fatigue, joint pain, stiffness, swelling, skin rashes, and neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling [4].
- Cancer
Some cancers such as multiple myeloma and lymphoma can cause an elevated ESR. Cancer cells produce cytokines and other inflammatory molecules, which cause an elevation in ESR. Symptoms of cancer may include fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and pain [5].
- Other Causes
Other causes of high ESR include pregnancy, advanced age, and anaemia. In pregnant women, ESR is often elevated due to the increased production of plasma proteins. In older adults, ESR can be elevated due to the presence of chronic diseases. Anaemia, a condition characterized by low levels of haemoglobin in the blood, can also cause an elevated ESR. This is because anaemia causes changes in the shape and size of red blood cells, leading to an increase in ESR [6].
It is important to note that the symptoms of high ESR may vary depending on the underlying cause. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Treatment for High ESRÂ
Treatment of high ESR depends on the underlying cause. Infections are usually treated with antibiotics or antiviral medications, while autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions may require anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. In some cases, treatment of the underlying cause may result in a decrease in ESR levels [7].
In conclusion, high ESR is a non-specific laboratory finding that can be caused by various factors such as infections, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, cancer, pregnancy, advanced age, and anaemia. While high ESR may not present any symptoms in some cases, in other cases, it may be associated with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, joint pain, stiffness, swelling, skin rashes, and neurological symptoms. High ESR symptoms treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or cancer treatment.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or have a high ESR level, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5866129/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3357967/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2903777/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3632363/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3204530/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6472757/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513289/
