Having cough. ESR test done. Is there any serious problem?

Feb 2014

User rating for this question

Very Good

Answered by

Dr. Saurabh Gupta
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since : 2004

Answered : 5930 Questions

Ask an Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement now »

Question

Hi
My husband is having cough since 3 weeks and he consulted physician and physician suggested an ESR and results are as below.
1st Hour - 30
2nd Hour - 55
Is there any serious problem because ESR results were not in the standard range.
Should I need to be worried?

Posted Wed, 24 Oct 2012 in X-ray, Lab tests and Scans

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta 4 hours later

Hello XXXXXXX,

Thanks for posting your query.

Your husband is having chronic cough. Few of the common condition that cause chronic cough are:-

* Smoking
* Chronic lung disease (asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis)
* Gastro-oseophageal disease
* Side effects of some drugs like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
* Infection (post viral, tuberculosis)
* Malignancy
* Other unknown causes (idiopathic).

ESR levels are elevated. However elevated ESR is a non specific indicator of an infection, some connective tissue disorder and tumour. In view of high ESR and chronic cough, his condition concerns me and hence needs evaluation / further assessment to reach the proper diagnosis.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you have more concerns.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by

Dr. Prasad