Is an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 22 serious?
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 22 mm/h may be serious or not, depending on the specific underlying cause.
1. Potentially serious
In normal circumstances, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate for adult females ranges from 0 mm/h to 20 mm/h, and for adult males from 0 mm/h to 15 mm/h. An ESR of 22 mm/h is slightly elevated and could indicate conditions such as myocarditis, chronic nephritis, tuberculosis, or malignancies like multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and macroglobulinemia. These diseases disrupt normal bodily functions and metabolism, potentially causing significant health impacts.
2. Possibly not serious
An ESR of 22 mm/h may be a normal physiological increase in individuals who are menstruating, pregnant, children under 12 years old, or adults over 60 years old. In these cases, it is not considered serious and does not adversely affect health.
If an ESR of 22 mm/h is detected, timely medical evaluation is recommended to determine the underlying cause through diagnostic tests such as CT scans or ultrasound, followed by appropriate treatment targeting the specific condition.