ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a test performed to determine the level of inflammation or inflammation in the body and the rate at which erythrocytes are deposited in the plasma. In the examination process, the doctor will measure the rate of deposition of red blood cells in a special tube with units of mm/hour. If your erythrocyte sedimentation rate is slightly elevated, you most likely have inflammation that needs to be addressed immediately. Some methods that you can do to reduce inflammation or inflammation in the body are exercise and changing diet. Because the benefits are so vital, consider checking your erythrocyte sedimentation rate regularly. If possible, also ask your doctor about other medical possibilities related to increasing your erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
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Method 1 of 3: Exercising and improving your diet to reduce inflammation and lower your erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Step 1. If possible, do vigorous exercise regularly
In other words, choose activities that make you sweat, increase your heart rate, and make you think, “Wow, this is so hard!” At least, exercise for 30 minutes 3 times a week. Believe me, this type of exercise is proven to be able to drastically reduce inflammation in the body!
Some examples of vigorous exercise are fast running or cycling, swimming, doing dance or aerobics, and climbing mountains
Step 2. Try doing light to moderate exercise
If you rarely exercise or have a health condition that prevents you from doing strenuous activities, try doing a less intense workout for at least 30 minutes. Believe me, any light activity can reduce inflammation if done regularly. Keep pushing yourself until you feel like you're getting to a point where your mind says, "Okay, this is hard, but I haven't had any."
Try a brisk walk around the complex or take a water aerobics class at the nearest gym
Step 3. Practice yoga nidra for 30 minutes per day
Yoga nidra is a type of yoga practice that helps you put yourself on the bridge between waking and sleeping. You should be completely relaxed mentally and physically after doing this exercise. In at least one study, it was explained that the practice of yoga nidra was proven to be able to reduce the value of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate drastically. To do so, try:
- Lie on your back on a mat or other comfortable surface.
- Listen to the voice of your yoga instructor. If you want, you can even practice yoga through videos or voice recordings available on the internet.
- Let your breath flow naturally.
- Do not move your body during the exercise.
- Allow your mind to wander aimlessly. In other words, try to stay aware without having to concentrate.
- Strive to “sleep with the least trace of consciousness.”
Step 4. Avoid processed foods that contain added sugar
Such foods are rich in bad cholesterol (LDL) which triggers inflammation in the body and increases your erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In particular, stop eating fried foods, white bread, pastries, soft drinks, red meat and processed meats, as well as margarine and/or pork oil.
Step 5. Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated oils
All of these options are basic components of a healthy diet. In addition, make sure you also eat low-fat meats such as chicken or fish. Some types of fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated oils that are effective against inflammation and you should consume more often are:
- Tomatoes.
- Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and/or oranges.
- Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards.
- Almonds and/or walnuts.
- Fatty fish that are high in oil such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
- Olive oil.
Step 6. Add herbs such as oregano, cayenne, and basil to the dish
These three herbs are effective against inflammation in your body naturally while enriching the taste of food! In addition, you can also consume ginger, turmeric, and white willow root to reduce inflammation and value the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- Browse websites and the internet and look for recipes that are suitable for processing these various herbs.
- Try turning ginger and white willow root into a herbal tea.
- Do not consume willow root if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Step 7. Drink as much fluid as possible each day
While dehydration won't make inflammatory conditions worse, it's still important to stay hydrated to prevent muscle and bone damage. Since you need to increase your physical activity to reduce inflammation, make sure you drink at least 1-2 liters of water per day to prevent injury. Make sure you also drink water immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Extreme dehydration
- Dizziness, fatigue, or confusion
- Reduced frequency of urination
- Dark urine
Method 2 of 3: Dealing with the Increased Sedimentation Rate
Step 1. Consult the test results with the doctor
As with other laboratory test results, the normal range for each test may differ from one laboratory to another. Therefore, make sure you consult the results of these tests with your doctor. However, in general the normal range of values is:
- Less than 15 mm/hour for men under 50 years old.
- Less than 20 mm/hour for men over 50 years old.
- Less than 20 mm/hour for women under 50 years old.
- Less than 30 mm/hour for women over 50 years old.
- 0-2 mm/hour for newborns.
- 3-13 mm/hour for children through puberty.
Step 2. Ask if your erythrocyte sedimentation rate is elevated or too high
In fact, there are several conditions that can increase a person's erythrocyte sedimentation rate, including pregnancy, anemia, thyroid disease, kidney disease, or cancers such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Meanwhile, a very high erythrocyte sedimentation rate can indicate health problems such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or a serious infection that occurs in your body.
- Very high erythrocyte sedimentation rate values may indicate symptoms of rare autoimmune diseases such as allergic vasculitis, giant cell arteritis (inflammation of the lining of the arteries), hyperfibrinogenemia, macroglobulinemia, necrotizing vasculitis, or polymyalgia rheumatica.
- A very high erythrocyte sedimentation rate can be associated with infection in the bone, heart, skin, or even the rest of your body. In addition, these results can also indicate the presence of tuberculosis or rheumatic fever.
Step 3. Perform other tests to get a proper diagnosis
Since a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate can mean many things, your doctor will likely order some additional tests to get the right diagnosis for your case. While waiting for the doctor's decision, take a deep breath and don't panic! If necessary, discuss your fears with your doctor, family, or close friends for the support and motivation you need.
On its own, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate test will not be able to provide an accurate diagnosis
Step 4. Test the erythrocyte sedimentation rate periodically
Since an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate is often associated with chronic disease or inflammation, your doctor will most likely require you to have regular check-ups. This method should actually be done to control the changes in pain and inflammation in your body. I'm sure your condition will improve soon with the right treatment plan!
Step 5. Treat rheumatoid arthritis with medication and physical therapy
Although rheumatoid arthritis cannot be completely cured, you can still manage and stop symptoms temporarily by taking DMARD anti-rheumatic drugs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and steroids.
Physical and occupational therapy can also help improve joint movement and flexibility. In addition, the two therapies will also teach alternative methods to carry out daily activities (such as pouring a glass of water) more easily when extreme pain begins to attack
Step 6. Control lupus attacks with NSAIDs or other drugs
Remember, every case of lupus has different characteristics. Therefore, discuss with your doctor to find out the most appropriate treatment method for your case. NSAIDs are able to relieve fever and pain that appear, while corticosteroids are able to control inflammation in the body. In addition to these two drugs, your doctor will most likely recommend antimalarial drugs and immunosuppressants if they match your symptoms.
Step 7. Treat bone and joint infections with antibiotics and/or surgery
In fact, an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate can indicate various types of infection, but generally infections in the bone or joint area can be detected accurately. Since infections in these areas are difficult to treat, your doctor will likely order other tests to determine the type and source of the infection. In some serious cases, doctors will perform surgery to remove the infected tissue.
Step 8. Ask your doctor for a referral to an oncologist if you are diagnosed with cancer
A very high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (above 100 mm/hour) is one indicator of the presence of tumor cells that damage nearby cells and are at risk of spreading into cancer. In particular, a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate is closely associated with multiple myeloma or spinal cord cancer. If your doctor diagnoses you with the condition after performing urine and blood tests, they will most likely refer you to an oncologist or cancer specialist for a more appropriate treatment method.
Method 3 of 3: Checking the sedimentation rate in the body
Step 1. Call your doctor immediately if you think you need to do a erythrocyte sedimentation rate test
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate test is the most commonly performed test to determine the level of inflammation in a person's body. If you have unexplained fever, arthritis, muscle aches, or visible inflammation, try a erythrocyte sedimentation rate test to determine the cause and severity.
- The erythrocyte sedimentation rate test also serves to diagnose unexplained symptoms such as decreased appetite, unexplained weight loss, headaches, or shoulder and neck pain.
- Generally, doctors will combine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate test with other tests (such as the C-reactive protein test). The test is actually also done to check the level of inflammation in the patient's body.
Step 2. Discuss the medications you are taking with your doctor
Actually, there are several types of over-the-counter and prescription drugs that can increase or decrease the natural erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the body. If you are taking these drugs, your doctor will most likely ask you to stop taking them, at least one week before the erythrocyte sedimentation rate test is performed. Do not change your medicines without a doctor's supervision!
- Taking dextran, methyldopa, oral contraceptives, penicillamine procainamide, theophylline, and vitamin A can increase your erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- Taking aspirin, cortisone, and quinine can help lower your erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Step 3. Select the hand for the blood to be drawn
Usually, blood will be drawn from a vein in the inner fold of your elbow. While you shouldn't experience extreme pain after your blood draw, still recommend the hand you don't think is dominant to your doctor or nurse. After that, they will look for the ideal vein of the hand you choose.
- The process of selecting the ideal blood vessel can increase the duration of blood draw.
- If the doctor or nurse can't find the ideal vein in your hands, they will generally have their blood drawn elsewhere.
- If you have previously had problems with the blood drawing process, don't forget to tell your doctor or nurse. For example, say if you ever fainted or felt dizzy while the blood was being drawn. After that, you will be asked to lie down during the blood collection process. If you have a negative history, you should not drive yourself to the clinic or hospital, and vice versa.
Step 4. Try to relax your body while the blood draw is taking place
Generally, the doctor or nurse will tie your upper arm with an elastic band and clean the blood collection point with alcohol first. After that, they will inject a needle into a vein and collect the blood that comes out in a small tube. After the process is complete, they will pull the needle and release the elastic, and ask you to apply pressure to the blood draw point with a small cotton swab to stop the blood from flowing.
- Feeling too nervous? Take your eyes off your hands during the blood draw!
- Chances are, the doctor or nurse will need to draw more blood from one small tube. Prepare yourself for the eventuality!
- Alternatively, they will use a special bandage to stop the bleeding more quickly. You can easily remove the bandage yourself a few hours later.
Step 5. Don't be afraid when you find bruising or redness on the skin
In most cases, the blood draw will heal on its own within a day or two. Generally, the skin will be slightly reddened or even bruised during the healing period. If a similar situation happens to you, don't worry because this condition is completely normal. In some rare cases, the blood draw point will also be swollen. The situation is not dangerous, but is likely to be very painful. To relieve the pain that appears, try compressing it with cold water or ice cubes on the first day, then applying a warm compress on the second day. To make a warm compress, you can heat a wet towel in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, then place it on the blood draw point for 20 minutes. Do this process several times throughout the day.
Feel the temperature of the towel with the palm of your hand. If the escaping steam feels too hot in the palm of your hand, try waiting 10-15 seconds before testing the temperature again
Step 6. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever
If the pain and swelling at the blood draw point is getting worse, you most likely have an infection. Don't worry, this reaction is actually very rare. However, make sure you call your doctor immediately if you suddenly have a high enough fever.
If you have a fever with a temperature equal to or higher than 39°C, your doctor will most likely refer you to the Emergency Room
Tips
- Drink plenty of water on the day of the blood test. Hydrating the body properly can help increase the size of the blood vessels in the body. As a result, blood drawing can be done more easily. Also wear a shirt with loose sleeves!
- Because pregnancy and menstruation can temporarily increase your erythrocyte sedimentation rate, make sure you tell your doctor about both conditions if you are experiencing them.
