You get on hand 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 you do not need to worry, everything is normal, and closes the sick-list. What is ESR and why determine it if the result does not bother anyone?
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 detected 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 (red blood cells) in the lower one. If 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 come to light, the disease must enter the acute phase. In order for the ESR to return to normal, some time must also pass.
Therefore, the doctor in the analysis looks not so much at the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, but at the reaction
other particles carrying information - white blood cells. These white blood cells are also found in the blood and act as indicators of rapid response. At the slightest deterioration in the general condition, their number increases
exponentially.
Why is a “non-informative" analysis necessary?
In order to detect the presence of a chronic inflammatory process, this blood test is needed.
ESR is increased if:
- tuberculosis;
- oncological processes;
- autoimmune disorders;
- rheumatic diseases.
The indicator decreases with neurosis, anemia, during diseases associated with the hematopoietic system, epilepsy.
If the patient complains of a general malaise, a deviation from the normal result can tell the knowledgeable doctor in which area to look for the problem. White blood cells do not respond to the presence of chronic diseases until an exacerbation occurs. There would be no analysis for ESR; complaints would simply be dismissed.
The rate of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in adults and children
Women | 15-20 mm / hour |
Men | 12-15 mm / hour |
Children | |
1 month | 4-8 mm / hour |
6 months - 1 year | 4-10 mm / hour |
1 year - 12 years | 4-12 mm / hour |
ESR is also increased during acute conditions: infectious diseases, traumatic lesions, with acute respiratory viral infections, during a heart attack, and intoxication.
Cons analysis
The disadvantages of this analysis are the already noted delayed response to
infection and changes associated with the natural conditions of the body. ESR is increased in people in old age and in women during menstruation. Erythrocyte reaction can be affected by taking many medications, such as corticosteroids and choleretic drugs, a change in diet - vegetarianism, for example.
It can be seen that the reaction of red blood cells is affected by many completely extraneous factors that are not related to the state of health. That is why the indicator needs to be observed in dynamics. If several results have shown a steady increase or decrease in ESR, you must definitely find out the reason why this happens.
Do not be shy to ask your doctor: “ESR increased what does it mean? Why do I, despite his deviation from the norm, close the sick-list? ”
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 ESR does not return to normal, and there will be complaints about health, then then additional tests will be required to find out the cause of the deviation.