Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Do High ESR And Low Protein In A Blood Test Report Suggest?
Question: Hello, I have had some medical problems and lots of Blood work was done. So Far, one of the results that came back was that my Protein is low and my sed-rate has been high for a few months now but they haven't found the reason for this yet. Would you please help me to understand what all this could mean and help me understand what the importance is of each one. I have been experiencing extreme fatigue for the last year. I have to fight this everyday. I have other medical problems that I have not mentioned yet.
Thank you so much....XXXX
Thank you so much....XXXX
Brief Answer:
The high ESR and low protein is explained below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. ESR means erythrocyte sedimentation rate and tells the rate at which the red blood cells separate from the plasma. It is usually high in inflammatory and infectious conditions. This is because certain molecules are released in the blood when there is inflammation and this causes delayed separation in the blood when it is allowed to settle down. The ESR indicates a probable inflammatory condition but will not specify which condition it is.
2. Protein is an essential part of our nutrition and the protein balance is to be maintained for normal functioning. Low protein might be due to decreased protein generation or increased protein loss. Protein loss might be due to increased loss through the kidneys (nephrotic syndrome) or decreased absorption in the intestine (protein losing enteropathy).
3. Considering that you are having extreme fatigue since last year, it is important to know the exact cause of your abnormal blood ESR and low protein. It is possible that you might have a condition which you have not mentioned yet and it is probably of an autoimmune origin. I hope your doctor will be able exactly focus on your problem and provide you required treatment.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
The high ESR and low protein is explained below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. ESR means erythrocyte sedimentation rate and tells the rate at which the red blood cells separate from the plasma. It is usually high in inflammatory and infectious conditions. This is because certain molecules are released in the blood when there is inflammation and this causes delayed separation in the blood when it is allowed to settle down. The ESR indicates a probable inflammatory condition but will not specify which condition it is.
2. Protein is an essential part of our nutrition and the protein balance is to be maintained for normal functioning. Low protein might be due to decreased protein generation or increased protein loss. Protein loss might be due to increased loss through the kidneys (nephrotic syndrome) or decreased absorption in the intestine (protein losing enteropathy).
3. Considering that you are having extreme fatigue since last year, it is important to know the exact cause of your abnormal blood ESR and low protein. It is possible that you might have a condition which you have not mentioned yet and it is probably of an autoimmune origin. I hope your doctor will be able exactly focus on your problem and provide you required treatment.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
