What Does Increased ESR Levels Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 22 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Dr
Yesterday I asked my son chest xray to you.and it is normal.
Today we got the blood report.......I have attached.
It says all normal but ESR showing 28 H.......what it says?

Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You mentioned Adenoid issues

Detailed Answer:
Hi, an increased ESR is a sign of inflammation. Inflammation secondary to infection is the most likely the cause of this lab result. You mentioned he had had some adenoid issues. Has he had adenoid infections or tonsilar infections? Those would be the most likley causes of the high ESR.

Overall, nothing to worry about here, ESR is a very non-specific test and having a high ESR is not really a trigger for any kind of treatment or further testing.

Let me know how much further I can help.

Vin

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (1 hour later)

Will it affect his health?
Is it necessary to check again after few days?for normal esr

Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If it were my child, i'd ignore it.

Detailed Answer:
Relax. These tests are not that important. They are supposed to be interpreted as part of the rest of the testing battery that was done.

I would ignore it.

Vinay

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj