HomeAnswersHematologyhigh esrI have had chronic elevated ESR and CRP levels accompanied by fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and easy bruising. What could it be?

What does it indicate when ESR and CRP levels are elevated along with fatigue and muscle pain?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 4, 2023
Reviewed AtAugust 4, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had chronic elevated ESR and CRP for about a year accompanied by fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and lately easy bruising. What could it be?

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

I went through your reports (the attachments removed to protect patient's identity).

Cholesterol is borderline high, so no medicine is needed. I suggest you modify your diet and add exercise to manage it. Hemoglobin, MCV (mean corpuscular volume), and RDW (red cell distribution width) are also slightly deranged. This indicates mixed micronutrient deficiency. I suggest you build up your vitamin B12, Folic acid, pyridoxine, vitamin D, and iron levels.

CRP (C-reactive protein) is high but not critically related to any serious process at this level. It can be ignored if there are no signs and symptoms of an infection or systemic disease. However, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is significantly high and cannot be ignored at this level. There might be some underlying inflammatory or autoimmune process. I also suggest you get ANA (antinuclear antibody) test, rheumatoid factor, and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) levels done for further evaluation.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

I got two of these tests done related to elevated ESR.

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suggest you get your LDH level done and if it is normal, ignore your ESR for a month. Build up your micronutrients and repeat ESR again. Iron and vitamin B12 supplements are to be taken through injectable routes. The rest of the medicines could be taken orally.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them, and take medicines with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mubashir Razzaq Khan
Dr. Mubashir Razzaq Khan

Hematology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Hematology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy