Can an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) be treated with medication?
Disease description:
Grandfather has rheumatism, and his hospital examination revealed an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Can medications lower a high ESR?
There are numerous causes of an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), including bacterial infections, non-infectious inflammation, immunoglobulin disorders, and malignant tumors. These conditions can all lead to an increased ESR. Patients should seek evaluation at a reputable local hospital for further diagnostic testing to identify the underlying cause of the elevated ESR. Treatment should target the root cause; in most cases, the primary disease is amenable to pharmacologic therapy. Once the underlying condition is effectively controlled, the elevated ESR typically resolves gradually.