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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) is a simple blood test that indicates the presence of inflammation in the body.
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A high ESR isn't a disease. It's a signal that something may be wrong, such as a fever, fatigue, or a chronic condition.
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Infection Autoimmune disorder Arthritis Kidney issue Certain cancers (in some cases)
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Pregnancy, anaemia, or hormonal changes can raise ESR naturally in females without indicating disease.
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Bacterial and viral infections spike ESR. It's how your body flags that it's fighting something off.
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Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis often show a high ESR due to ongoing inflammation.
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A persistently high ESR may indicate the presence of chronic diseases. A one-time spike usually means short-term inflammation.
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Only if it stays high with other symptoms, Doctors often order more tests like CRP or ANA to investigate.
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High ESR isn't always bad, but it's your body's way of asking for attention. Don't ignore the signal.
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