How is an elevated ESR treated?
Disease description:
Grandpa went to the hospital for examination and was found to have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), along with swelling in all his joints. He also experiences a significant decrease in appetite during meals. Could you please advise on how to treat elevated ESR?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
The treatment for elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) mainly depends on its underlying cause.
1. Dietary adjustment: Consuming more foods such as brown sugar, black fungus, red dates, spinach, longan, and animal liver may help alleviate elevated ESR.
2. Psychological regulation: For elevated ESR caused by mental stress, emotional well-being should be managed alongside dietary changes.
3. Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken under medical guidance, such as isosorbide dinitrate tablets and aspirin enteric-coated tablets, which are suitable for elevated ESR caused by organ inflammation (e.g., myocarditis, hepatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease).
4. Surgical treatment: For elevated ESR caused by malignant tumors, surgical removal of the lesion may be considered.
5. Other treatments: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physical therapies may also serve as adjunctive treatment options.
The specific treatment plan should be determined according to the doctor's recommendations and the patient's individual circumstances.
