Can there be a high ESR level while having a cough and fever?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 48 years old. My recent blood report shows a high ESR level. I am having a cough and a fever in the evening. The doctor told me that I have bronchitis and has given me antibiotics as well as cough syrup. I am sending you my X-ray and blood test report for verification.

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen your reports (attachments removed to protect patient identity). Based on your reports, I do not think you have bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchus), or it may be in its initial stage, where a chest x-ray may be clear. But I would like to keep it as a throat infection in the differential diagnosis. Since your x-ray is clear, which otherwise has increased bronchovascular markings in bronchitis, and also your blood reports are normal except for a high ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), which suggests some inflammatory process in the body. Continue with your medication, because fever and cough suggest infection. Take steam inhalation three to four times a day.

I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There are many possible causes for an elevated ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). ESR is a non-specific marker. It is increased in infection, inflammation, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), tuberculosis, connective tissue diseases, and many more diseases. Please do not worry about it. I advise you to complete the course of antibiotics and repeat ESR with a complete blood count. If after treatment, ESR is still raised, then, depending upon your symptoms, other investigations will be done.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.