What Does Elevated ESR Level Indicate?
Question: Dear Doc,
I get my blood count test. All figures were normal, Only ESR showed 46. I get the test done at 6pm, I had some snacks @ 4pm.
Pls suggest if something to worry about.
Reagrds
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for coming to HealthCareMagic.com
A mildly elevated ESR in the absence of any symptoms and any other abnormal blood work is of no concern. Most people do not even request the test anymore because there are so many NORMAL situations where the number will be elevated.
Ignore it.
I hope this helps. Thanks again
Vinay
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Doc,
Thnaks for the reply.
Actually I get the test done because for around a week I was feeling some morning weakness & headaches
Brief Answer:
Anemia and Thyroid issues
Detailed Answer:
Hi again, Ok. That is more specific information. In a woman your age. The first two things we need to make sure you are checking is for Anemia and for Thyroid issues.
I see from your bloodwork that you do have a very slightly low Hemoglobin level. I would suggest that you start looking into your diet and increasing the intake of Green leafy vegetables and Iron rich foods (our dieticians can help you with that).
Also, When you have the time please go to the lab and get the following bloodwork done
TSH, T3, T4, Free T3 and Free T4, Fasting Blood sugar and Vitamin D levels. This will rule out OR rule in any thyroid and related glandular issues.
Also, if you have eaten improperly cooked meats any time recently we have to make sure that you have not contracted a Tapeworm infection, which would cause the mild anemia and fatigue as you have described.
Upload the tests when you are done. Even here, ignore the ESR, it's will not give us any information about what is causing your fatigue and weakness.
I hope this helps,
Vinay
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Get to a doctor and get a chest x-ray
Detailed Answer:
This could be an issue. The first thing you need to do is get to a doctor and get examined. They will want to get an x-ray as well. GET IT DONE. Quickly.
Most commonly, in india, that could be a sign of TB, but it can also be the sign of many infections and allergies.
Anyways, that is all academic. Get to a doctor and get examined right away. Get an x-ray of your chest right away.
Hope this helps,
Vinay
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Dear Doc,
Thanx for the reply.
But I dnt feel any problem, no uneasiness, no laziness, no cough/sneeze/cold/fever.
Appetite is ok. jst noticed streaks of bood in sputim. from 2 days
Regards
Brief Answer:
Great, still, get the x-ray
Detailed Answer:
Hi there, thanks for following up. I am very glad that you don't show any systemic symptoms of major disease and that relaxes my suspicions of infection just a bit.
But nevertheless. I think you need to get this looked at by a doctor. The body has an incredible capacity to tolerate such systemic manifestations if they come on slowly enough.
If you get that chest x-ray and it turns out normal. You will breath easier and so will I.
I look forward to your reply
Vinay
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
thanks for the reply :)
can i get the chest x ray done & then go & visit the dr.
Is there any specific area for chest x-ray which i need to tell the lab person
Regards
Brief Answer:
Sure, X-ray first
Detailed Answer:
Sure, you can get the x-ray first. No problem there. Just mention on the order form that your clinical history is that you have "Blood in Sputum for last few days"
You can upload the pic to me afterwards and I will go over it, but I still want you to get a physical exam from a doctor right after that.
Take Care,
Vinay
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Dear Doc,
I got the X-ray done..Everything was normal.
I showed to physician,, He suggested to take Sepmax for 5 days.
Brief Answer:
I an glad it is just an infection.
Detailed Answer:
Good, I am glad we have ruled out nasty stuff like cancer. I hadn't wanted to unduly worry you with that possibility. So I didn't mention it. The Sepmax is a good first line drug. Let me know if there is anything else that I can help you with.
Yours,
Vinay
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar