How to lower your swarm with folk remedies. How to lower ESR in the blood in women and men, effective methods of treatment, diagnosis and causes of deviations. What are the folk remedies to reduce ESR

ESR is one of the indicators in a clinical blood test. When evaluating the results of the study, the doctor gives him Special attention. Increased values leukocytes and erythrocyte sedimentation rate always mean one thing - a person is sick. The question immediately arises: how to lower the ESR in the blood and will it contribute to recovery? To answer, first you need to understand what the indicator means, what are its normal values ​​\u200b\u200band what is its role in diagnosis.

What is ESR: methods for determining

ESR is an analysis that determines the rate of separation of blood into plasma and red blood cells. The indicator is displayed in millimeters of plasma settled over red blood cells per hour.

The degree of crowding of platelets indicates the presence of an inflammatory process. The analysis refers to studies that have little specificity - a reduced ESR in the blood does not indicate that there is no inflammatory process.

There are a number of methods for determining the indicator, but two of them are used: according to Panchenkov and the method of capillary photometry. With the Pachenkov method, uncoagulated blood is placed in a vertically located capillary pipette with a scale of 100 mm, and after an hour, the settled erythrocytes are counted.

Capillary photometry - analysis with automatic analyzers TEST1. At the beginning of the test, the samples are mixed to disaggregate red blood cells. The analyzer measures the movement of erythrocyte aggregation. The method is similar to the Westergren method, which is considered a sample for determining the ESR and has the same reference values.

Blood for analysis is taken from a vein by puncture or from the phalanx of a finger. The analysis period for all methods does not exceed one working day.

The norm of ESR in the blood

ESR is influenced by various physiological factors. Smoking, insufficient fluid intake for the body, leads to a slowdown in the rate of sedimentation. The simplest answer to the question of how to lower the ESR in the blood is to drink less water. But these are far from all the factors that affect the test results. Great importance have age and gender. The less red blood cells in the blood, the higher the sedimentation rate - in women normal rate ESR is slightly higher than in men. This is due to the fact that the blood of the fairer sex is updated more often, the level of erythrocytes is lower than in men, red blood cells settle faster.

The ESR is measured in mm / h, its normal values ​​\u200b\u200bare indicated taking into account age and gender:

• Children from 0 to 7 days of life - no more than 1.
• From a week to 6 months - 2-5.
• From six months to a year - 4-10.
• 1 year - 10 years - 4-12.
• 11-18 years - 2-12.
• Men under 50 - 2-15.
• Women under 50 - 2-20.
• Men over 50 - 2-20.
• In women over 50 years old, the rate is 2-30.

ESR norm in women

Normal values scores differ by gender. This is due physiological characteristics. Before you learn how to lower the ESR in the blood in women, you need to understand the norms of indicators:

• In girls under 17 years old, the rate is 4-11 mm / h.
• From 17 to 30 years - 2-15.
• From 30 to 50 years - 2-20.
• The norm of ESR in a woman over 50 years of age is indicated above.

Other factors also influence the rate. One of the main ones is menstrual cycle. Its absence is usually due to pregnancy or menopause. These periods are associated with serious hormonal changes, which are reflected in the composition of all biological fluids organism. During pregnancy, in the first trimester, a reduced ESR in the blood in women (up to 13 mm / h) is considered normal, and in the third, on the contrary, increased (up to 45 mm / h).

The change in the indicator is influenced by nutrition - girls like to sit on various diets. The physique also affects the ESR. Many women stop taking care of themselves after childbirth, being overweight is associated with high cholesterol. Its high level contributes to an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

What does an elevated ESR indicate?

An increase in the level of acute phase pathological proteins contributes to the aggregation of erythrocytes. Their settling occurs faster, the ESR value increases. Reasons for the increase:

• Infectious diseases, more often bacterial etiology.
• Diseases connective tissue.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Oncology.
• Pathologies of cardio-vascular system.
• Violations of the liver and kidneys.
• Recent trauma with great blood loss.
• Entry of toxins into the body.
• Abnormally increased fluid intake.

Reduced ESR

Not always with the disease, the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation is increased. Reduced ESR in the blood of a child or adult is a consequence of certain disorders in the body:

• Increase in blood viscosity.
• High levels of bilirubin.
• pH decrease in acid-base balance body (acidosis).

These disorders occur during the formation of certain pathologies.

• Atherosclerosis.
• Varicose veins.
• Hypertension.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Hepatitis.
• Pathology of the kidneys.
• Diabetes.

Why does the ESR increase in a child

The upward deviation from the norm of ESR indicators in children in most cases is associated with the development of inflammation. But there are other factors as well:

• Metabolic changes (not always associated with pathology).
• Mental strain, stress.
• An autoimmune disease.
• Helminthiasis.
• Allergy.

In very young children, an increase in ESR may be associated with teething. In puberty, deviations from the norm of indicators are influenced by natural physiological changes.

It is better for parents to think not about how to lower the ESR in the blood of a baby, but about how to eliminate the cause. At the first symptoms of inflammation, you should contact your pediatrician.

Reduction methods

Indicators of the reaction of erythrocyte sedimentation are normal in the absence of diseases. There are several methods on how to lower the ESR in the blood, or rather reduce inflammation. Usually, the analysis is prescribed by a doctor, who also carries out the treatment. Take on your own medications highly undesirable, as incorrectly selected drug therapy may exacerbate the situation.

Folk recipes can be used independently, but not abused, and only after agreement with the doctor.

How to lower ESR with drugs

The test results are affected by medicines. Usually, the doctor, before undergoing an examination, discusses with the patient the need to cancel the medications taken, since when they are used, the test may show a reduced ESR in the blood in men and women.

The analysis provides information about the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. It is used to monitor infectious, autoimmune, oncological diseases and integrated pathological process. In order to lower the ESR, it is necessary to eliminate the cause that contributes to its increase.

With anemia, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate will decrease if hemoglobin is increased. With significant deviations from the norm of iron-containing protein, folic acid, "Gemodin", "Totem", "Irovit", "Maltofer".

When tuberculosis is detected, it will not be possible to quickly lower the ESR in the blood. The disease is considered severe and has a long therapeutic course. In order to avoid addiction, the drugs are alternated, so their list is quite large. The most effective are "Isoniazid", "Pyrazinamide", "Rifampicin", "Ethambutol".

If a person is sick chronic disease, which is not completely treated, for example, hepatitis C, it is necessary to constantly adjust the course of medications prescribed by the doctor. If you have diabetes, regularly check your glucose levels, if it increases, you should discuss with your doctor possible replacement drugs that lower blood sugar.

Decrease in ESR folk remedies

Application alternative methods allowed only after consulting a doctor. You can lower the ESR in the blood at home with the help of herbs, vegetables, fruits that help purify the blood:

• Herbs. Increased rate in the analysis indicates an inflammatory process in the body. Its occurrence is influenced by the causative agents of the disease. The most common pathogens are staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, and candida. Tea and infusions of chamomile, calendula, and nettle effectively help them. In addition, these plants rarely cause an allergic reaction, so you can brew them and drink them as a preventive measure.
• Garlic with lemon juice is also effective means against pathogenic bacteria. Recipe: Peel 2 heads of garlic and pass through a meat grinder. Pour the resulting slurry with completely freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix everything well and put in the refrigerator, take a teaspoon 2 times a day (preferably morning-evening), after meals. This recipe is not recommended for people suffering from hepatitis and peptic ulcer stomach. This is due to the organic sulfides contained in garlic.
• Boiled beets. Root contains a large number of beneficial nutrients: B vitamins, retinol, ascorbic acid, iron and others. But potassium is of particular value. This substance plays a huge role in water-salt balance organism. Beets can be boiled and consumed as an independent dish or prepared salads, in which it will be an ingredient.

In women, a reduced ESR in the blood can be a sign of a natural physiological process, so you should not get involved in traditional medicine.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is one of the indicators in the general blood test. The presence or absence of an inflammatory process is determined by analyzing all values. ESR rises due to the occurrence of a pathological condition, therefore, when the disease is eliminated, the indicator will be normal.

A blood test for ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate - is mandatory in the process of initial diagnosis.

This study only helps to determine the further course of medical actions. After all, whatever the results of the analysis, they are not reliable sign pathologies. Deviation of ESR from the norm only indirectly indicates that an inflammatory process may occur in the body or an infection develops.

The value of research on ESR

The results of the analysis are very individual. Their upward trend is due to many reasons. There is no specific disease in which ESR increases.

This indicator is considered general, non-specific, since it does not contain an answer to the question of whether a person is healthy or sick.

But studying the results of the study:

• contributes to the accelerated and timely conduct of additional tests;
• in combination with the data of other analyzes allows you to objectively assess the state of the body;
• makes it possible to make forecasts for the short term;
• in dynamics indicates the course of the disease and how correctly the therapeutic methods are chosen. Approximation of ESR to the norm certifies that the medicines and procedures prescribed by the doctor are successful and the patient is recovering.

Normative values ​​of ESR depend on the age of the person and his gender.

The average for men is in the range from 8 to 12 units (millimeters per hour), for women - from 3 to 20.

With age, ESR grows and in respectable years reaches 50 units.

Elevated ESR: growth rates

For correct diagnosis, it matters how much the ESR exceeds the norm. Depending on this, four degrees of deviations can be distinguished:

• First, which is characterized by a slight increase in ESR. The rest of the blood counts remain normal.
• Second- the results of the analysis recorded an excess of ESR by 15–29 units. This signals that there is an infectious process in the body, which so far has little effect on it. general state. Such a situation is typical for colds. If they are treated, then the ESR will return to normal in a couple of weeks.
• Third- the increase in ESR is more than 30 units. Such an increase in the indicator is considered significant and serious. As a rule, the size of the ESR indicates the development of dangerous inflammatory or necrotic processes. It can take several months to heal the disease.
• Fourth- ESR rises by 60 units or more. This situation reflects an extremely difficult and life-threatening condition of the body. Immediate and thorough treatment is required.

Causes of increased ESR

An increase in ESR may be the result of the development of one or even several diseases at the same time. They can be classified like this:

• Viral, bacterial and fungal infections. They can be relatively mild, such as SARS or acute respiratory infections. But it often develops serious illness, at which the ESR exceeds the norm several times and reaches 100 mm / h. For example:
  • viral hepatitis;
  • flu;
  • pyelonephritis;
  • pneumonia;
  • bronchitis.
• Neoplasms, both benign and malignant. ESR increases significantly, but the level of leukocytes may remain normal.

  An increase in the index is more typical in the presence of single peripheral formations. Less commonly, it occurs when tumors of the lymphoid and hematopoietic tissue are present.

• Rheumatological diseases:
  • true rheumatism;
  • arthritis and arthrosis;
  • ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev's disease);
  • All systemic vasculitis;
  • diffuse connective tissue transformation: Sjögren's disease, Sharp's syndrome, systemic scleroderma and lupus erythematosus, polymyositis.
• Kidney disease and urinary tract dysfunction:
  • hydronephrosis;
  • urolithiasis disease;
  • nephroptosis (omission of the kidney);
  • pyelonephritis (more common in women);
  • glomerulonephritis.
• Blood diseases:
  • hemoglobinopathy, namely thalassemia and sickle cell anemia;
  • anisocytosis.
• The most severe conditions that are accompanied by an increase in blood viscosity:
  • intestinal obstruction;
  • diarrhea and vomiting;
  • food poisoning.

In almost 20% of cases, the cause of excess growth of ESR is poisoning of the body and rheumatological diseases. These pathologies lead to the fact that the blood becomes thicker and more viscous, and red cells begin to settle at a faster rate.

The greatest increase in ESR occurs when there are and develop in the body infectious processes. The value of the indicator does not increase immediately, but only a day or two after the onset of the disease. When the body recovers, ESR decreases slowly. Months will pass one and a half before the indicator returns to normal.

An increase in ESR also occurs after surgical intervention. It can also accompany post-shock states.

False increase in ESR

Exceeding the ESR norm is possible without the presence of ailments in the body. There are a number of natural causes:

• taking medications containing hormones;
• allergic reactions;
• overuse vitamin complexes, especially vitamin A;
• errors in the diet;
• individual characteristics of the organism. Statistics show that almost 5% of the world's population has an accelerated red blood cell sedimentation reaction;
• bearing a child. In pregnant women, ESR can grow three or more times, which is not considered a pathology;
• insufficient absorption of iron by the body, its deficiency;
• age from 4 to 12 years. During this period, especially in boys, an increase in ESR is possible, associated with the development and formation of the body. There are no infections or inflammations.

The growth of ESR in excess of the norm in some cases accompanies certain chronic conditions. These include:

• elevated blood cholesterol levels;
• recent vaccination against hepatitis;

A high degree of obesity also causes red blood cells to drop faster than they should.

Features of increasing ESR in men and women

A slight increase in ESR was noted in approximately eight percent of men. And it is not considered a deviation from the norm. The explanation lies in individual features organism of a particular person. The value of the indicator is influenced by the way of life and the presence bad habits like smoking and drinking alcohol.

IN female body increased ESR can be due to relatively safe reasons:

• the beginning of critical days;
• reception hormonal drugs, in particular contraceptives;
• eating habits: following a low-calorie diet or overeating, consuming fatty foods shortly before a blood test;
• pregnancy.

Increased ESR during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the processes in the female body occur in a special way. The protein composition of the blood also changes somewhat, which is reflected in the ESR.

The indicator can jump up to 45 units, and this will not indicate the manifestation of diseases.

ESR begins to gradually increase as early as the tenth week of pregnancy. Highest value, as a rule, is fixed in the third trimester.

Almost a month after delivery, the ESR is also overestimated. The cause is anemia, which developed during the period of bearing the crumbs. It provokes a significant blood thinning and increases the rate of red cell sedimentation.

The size of the ESR is affected by the complexion of a woman. For thinner expectant mothers, the indicator rises to a greater extent than for puffy ladies.

A month or a half after the birth of the baby, the ESR quickly returns to normal.

But even such objective processes should not be ignored. Only a doctor can determine how normal the pregnancy is and whether everything is in order with the expectant mother.

Features of increasing ESR in children

The causes of increased ESR in babies are not much different from those that are typical for adults. Most often, this symptom manifests itself as a result of:

• infectious diseases, including chronic diseases;
• intoxication;
• allergic reactions;
• helminthiasis;
• metabolic disorders;
• injuries to limbs and other parts of the body.

Infectious-inflammatory processes in children manifest themselves not only by an increase in ESR. Other indicators are also changed, which are determined using general analysis blood. The general condition of the baby worsens.

A slight increase in ESR can be explained by such non-dangerous factors as:

• violation of the diet by a nursing mother: there is an excess of food with a significant content of fat in the diet;
• taking oral medications;
• the baby is teething;
• there is a lack of vitamins in the body.

Parents whose children have an indicator above the established norm are contraindicated in panic. It is necessary to carefully examine the child and establish the causes. Successful treatment the main ailment will help normalize the ESR in a month or a half.

Treatment of elevated ESR

An elevated level of ESR in itself is not a pathology, but only suggests the development of a disease in the body. Therefore, bringing the indicator back to normal is possible only after the treatment of the underlying disease.

In some cases, there is no need to lower it. For example, ESR will not return to normal until:

• the wound will heal or the broken bone will not heal;
• the course of taking a certain drug will come to an end;
• a child is born in the womb.

If ESR is elevated during pregnancy, it is necessary to think about how to prevent anemia or reduce its consequences.

Women in an “interesting” position need to take a responsible attitude to the diet and follow all the recommendations prescribed by the gynecologist. The doctor may prescribe safe drugs containing iron, special food additives.

In many cases, it is possible to lower the ESR to the limits of the norm only by eliminating the inflammatory process. To determine its cause, a general blood test is not enough, a deeper study of the patient's body condition is necessary. The doctor-therapist can appoint it. It is he who knows all the examination protocols and treatment tactics.

Medicines should be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor. Self-selected drugs, most likely, will not bring the desired result, but will only have Negative influence on internal organs and lead to unnecessary spending.

When an elevated ESR is accompanied by a slight temperature, you can try to help the body with herbs and natural products.

In the piggy bank traditional medicine there are many healthy recipes. In one of them, it is recommended to cook the most ordinary beets. Properly prepared, it can lower the ESR in ten days.

It is necessary to choose three small beets, wash them thoroughly and do not remove the tails. Then the vegetables are boiled for about three hours. The resulting broth is filtered and stored in a cold place. It is enough to drink 50 grams of beet liquid per day. The decoction is taken in the morning on an empty stomach.

Juice squeezed from beets is also a good blood cleanser. It is necessary to drink it before going to bed for half a glass. Ten days of this intake will help improve blood circulation.

Effective is the remedy, which contains lemon juice and garlic. One hundred grams of the latter must be crushed. Then mix the resulting slurry with the juice of six to seven lemons. Put the drink in the refrigerator and take in the evening a teaspoon, diluted with a glass boiled water.

Freshly squeezed citrus juices are also useful. It is advisable to add a teaspoon of honey to them.

It may be that the survey did not reveal serious pathologies, and ESR does not decrease. In this case, you need to periodically conduct preventive examinations. When negative symptoms you can not let everything take its course, but seek advice. Preventive measures always give positive results and help to maintain health for many years.

The abbreviation ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Sometimes there is an expression erythrocyte sedimentation reaction (ROE) - in fact it is one and the same. This nonspecific blood indicator is subject to constant fluctuations under the influence of various factors. To clarify the cause of changes caused by the presence of pathology in the body or physiological processes, separate studies are needed.

APPLICATION OF ESR

The significance of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is part of the total clinical analysis blood. The procedure is recommended to be carried out annually, and it is advisable for older people to do this once every six months. Laboratory assistants conclude the blood collected on an empty stomach in a test tube with a scale. IN collected material a special anti-clotting serum is added. The measurement number becomes the boundary along which the plasma will be above the erythrocytes.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is analyzed using two methods:

• Panchenkov's method: a blood sample is placed on a vertical glass;
• Westergren's method: deoxygenated blood tested in vertical test tubes. This method is the most accurate and its results are considered reliable without requiring a retake of the analysis.

In inflammation, as a result of infection of the body with viruses and other microorganisms, antibodies and acute phase protein attach to erythrocytes. This causes a change in the electrochemical composition of the blood, as a result of which the red blood cells stick together. Over a certain period, red blood cells undergo agglomeration and are deposited on the walls of a vertical vessel. When they stick together, heavy particles can form.

ESR reveals the speed of lowering the adhered erythrocytes to the bottom of the tube within an hour of settling the blood sample. A high rate of sedimentation of blood cells to the bottom indicates the presence of inflammation. But there are other reasons for the violation of the electrochemical composition of the blood, therefore, with an increased ESR, it is necessary to do biochemical analysis blood.

NORM

The ESR is influenced by many factors. Its level is affected by gender, age of a person and the progression of diseases. In men, an ESR of 2 to 10 millimeters per hour is considered normal. The female norm is slightly higher - from 3 to 15. Pregnancy increases this figure to 25 millimeters per hour due to blood thinning. Children's rates differ by age. A newly born baby has an ESR level of up to two millimeters per hour. Child up to six months - 12–17.

If the norm is exceeded by 5 points, we can talk about an increased ESR.

REASONS FOR INCREASING

After settling in a test tube, the blood is divided into two layers: the upper one is colorless and the lower one is red. The rate of this process is measured in millimeters per hour. An increased indicator signals the development of a pathological process. Excess ESR indicator It is not a disease and therefore cannot be cured. It is necessary to work with the cause of this phenomenon. There is only one way to normalize the level of ESR - to cure the disease itself. A gradual decrease in ESR allows you to judge the correctness of the prescribed treatment.

The increased formation of special proteins in the blood plasma, such as fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and others, indicates a pathological process in the body. The reasons for the increase in ESR are the following conditions:

• postoperative period;
• autoimmune diseases;
• malignant tumors;
• poisoning, intoxication;
• myocardial infarction;
• fractures, injuries;
• infectious diseases;
• paraproteinemia;
• anemia;
• obesity.

The rate of erythrocyte precipitation increases due to an increase in the amount of antibodies produced immune system human body. Immunoglobulin is able to accelerate the sedimentation of erythrocytes. Oncological diseases characterized by an increase in ESR by thirty or forty units.

An increase in ESR is also observed in old age. A high level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate is observed in pregnant women, as well as in menstrual period. After the recovery of the body, the level of ESR stabilizes. The rate increases when taking hormonal contraceptives, after weight loss, anemia, high cholesterol. Vegetarians, in the absence of diseases, have a slightly reduced ESR level.

An increased level of erythrocyte sedimentation in a child can be explained by teething, a lack of any substances in the body. Therefore, self-medication can harm, it is better to visit a doctor and get recommendations. If there is an exacerbation of the inflammatory process in a child, then the level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate will increase one day after raising the body temperature. Among pediatricians, the term "high ESR syndrome" is increasingly common. It does not mean illness, but individual rate child's body. This feature is manifested if a prolonged rise in ESR is not accompanied by any diseases.

REDUCING ESR WITH MEDICINES

After complete examination patient and finding out the cause of the disease, you can lower the level of ESR with the help of medications prescribed by the doctor. For infectious or inflammatory disease antibiotics prescribed by a doctor help to lower the level of ESR. These are drugs such as penicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline and others. In certain cases, doctors prescribe aspirin. It should be borne in mind that it impairs the synthesis of substances. You should also be aware that unauthorized treatment with antibiotics, dietary supplements and other drugs can cause severe damage to health. A decrease in ESR during pregnancy or menstruation in women will occur after these processes have passed.

REDUCTION OF ESR FOLK REMEDIES

With an increased rate of precipitation of red blood cells, on the recommendation of a doctor, you can take recipes for decoctions of herbs. good remedy to heal from acute infections is beetroot. It perfectly cleanses the blood. The washed root crop in an unpeeled form is boiled whole for three hours, cooled, and then filtered. The decoction is taken at bedtime, on an empty stomach, 50 milliliters per day. It is necessary to continue taking the remedy for a week. Good to drink at night Fresh Juice beets daily for 10 days, one hundred milliliters. You can take grated fresh beets.

The garlic-lemon remedy works effectively. You will need the juice of 25 lemons and 400 grams of finely chopped garlic. The ingredients are mixed, kept in the dark. Take in the evenings one teaspoon dissolved in a glass of boiled water. It is good to drink tea with raspberries, currants or lemon. All varieties of citrus also help reduce the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation.

Various infusions medicinal herbs contribute to a decrease in ESR. Chamomile, linden, mother and stepmother, horsetail can be brewed separately or make multicomponent compositions. If not allergic reaction on honey and other gifts of beekeeping, then you can take it as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent.

The rate of erythrocyte precipitation is one of the precise methods health diagnostics.

An ESR blood test is simple and cheap to carry out, which is why many doctors often turn to it when they need to understand whether some kind of inflammatory process is going on. However, the reading and interpretation of the results are not unambiguous. About how much you can trust the analysis on the ESR and whether it is worth doing it at all, I decided to check with the head of the children's clinic. So, let's hear the opinion of an expert.

Reaction definition

ESR reflects the degree of erythrocyte sedimentation in a blood sample over a certain period of time. As a result, blood with an admixture of anticoagulants is divided into two layers: at the bottom are erythrocytes, at the top - plasma and leukocytes.

ESR is a non-specific, but sensitive indicator and therefore can react even at the preclinical stage (in the absence of symptoms of the disease). An increase in ESR is observed in many infectious, oncological and rheumatological diseases.

How is the analysis done

In Russia, the well-known Panchenkov method is used.

The essence of the method: if you mix blood with sodium citrate, then it does not coagulate, but is divided into two layers. The lower layer is formed by erythrocytes, the upper one is transparent plasma. The process of erythrocyte sedimentation is associated with chemical and physical properties blood.

There are three stages in the formation of a precipitate:

• in the first ten minutes, vertical clusters of cells are formed, which are called "coin columns";
• then forty minutes are spent on settling;
• for another ten minutes, the erythrocytes stick together and condense.

This means that the entire reaction takes a maximum of 60 minutes.

These capillaries collect blood to determine the ESR.

For research, a drop of blood is taken from a finger, blown into a special recess on the plate, where a 5% solution of sodium citrate has been previously added. After mixing, the diluted blood is drawn into thin glass graduated capillary tubes up to the upper mark and placed in a special stand strictly vertically. In order not to confuse the tests, a note with the patient's name is pierced with the lower end of the capillary. The time is recorded by a special laboratory clock with an alarm. Exactly one hour later, the results of the height of the erythrocyte column are taken into account. The answer is recorded in mm per hour (mm/h).

Despite the simplicity of the methodology, there are guidelines that must be followed when performing the test:

• take blood only on an empty stomach;
• apply a sufficiently deep injection of the pulp of the finger so that the blood does not have to be squeezed out (red blood cells are destroyed under pressure);
• use fresh reagent, dry washed capillaries;
• fill the capillary with blood without air bubbles;
• observe the correct ratio between sodium citrate solution and blood (1:4) with stirring;
• carry out the determination of ESR at ambient temperature 18-22 degrees.

Any violations in the analysis can lead to unreliable results. The reasons for the erroneous result should be sought in violation of the technique, inexperience of the laboratory assistant.

What affects the change in the level of ESR

Many factors influence the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The main one is the ratio of blood plasma proteins. Coarsely dispersed proteins - globulins and fibrinogen contribute to the agglomeration (accumulation) of erythrocytes and increase the ESR, and finely dispersed proteins (albumins) reduce the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Therefore, in pathological conditions accompanied by an increase in the number of coarse proteins (infectious and purulent-inflammatory diseases, rheumatism, collagenoses, malignant tumors), ESR increases. An increase in ESR also occurs with a decrease in the amount of blood albumin (massive proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome, impaired albumin synthesis in the liver with damage to its parenchyma).

A noticeable effect on ESR, especially in anemia, has the number of red blood cells and blood viscosity, as well as the properties of the red blood cells themselves. An increase in the number of erythrocytes, leading to an increase in blood viscosity, contributes to a decrease in ESR, and a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and blood viscosity is accompanied by an increase in ESR. The larger the red blood cells and the more hemoglobin they contain, the heavier they are and the greater the ESR.

ESR is also affected by such factors as the ratio of cholesterol and lecithin in blood plasma (with an increase in cholesterol, ESR increases), the content of bile pigments and bile acids(an increase in their number contributes to a decrease in ESR), acid-base balance blood plasma (a shift to the acid side reduces the ESR, and to the alkaline side it increases).

ESR norms

The ESR indicator varies depending on many physiological and pathological factors. The values ​​of ESR in women, men and children are different. Changes in the protein composition of the blood during pregnancy lead to an increase in ESR during this period. During the day, fluctuations in values ​​are possible, the maximum level is noted in the daytime.

ESR in children: we read the analysis

In children, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate changes with age. The normal ESR in children is considered to be fluctuations in the range from 2 to 12 mm / h.

In newborns, this figure is lower and is considered normal in the range of 0-2 mm / h. Maybe even up to 2.8. If the results of the analysis fit into this range, then there is no reason for concern.

If the baby is 1 month old, then an ESR of 2 - 5 mm / h (can be up to 8 mm / h) will be considered normal for him. With the growth of the child up to 6 months, this rate gradually increases: the average is from 4 to 6 mm / h (maybe up to 10 mm / h).

It must be remembered that each organism is individual. If, for example, all other blood counts are good, and the ESR is slightly overestimated or underestimated, this may be a temporary phenomenon that does not threaten health.

Up to a year, the level of ESR on average will be considered normal 4 - 7 mm / h. If we talk about children aged 1 - 2 years - you should keep in mind the average rate of 5 - 7 mm, and from 2 to 8 years - 7-8 mm / h (up to 12 mm / h). From 8 years to 16, you can rely on indicators of 8 - 12 mm.

Almost any disease or injury can cause fluctuations in the ESR. On the other hand, elevated ESR is not always an indicator of the disease.

If your child's ESR is high, you need to conduct a deeper examination.

If your child has recently suffered an injury or illness, their ESR may be elevated, and repeat tests confirming this level should not scare you. Stabilization of ESR will occur no earlier than two to three weeks. A blood test, no doubt, helps to better see the picture of the child's health.

ESR in women

It is immediately necessary to make a reservation that the ESR norm is a rather arbitrary concept and depends on age, the state of the body and many other circumstances.

Conditionally, the following indicators of the norm can be distinguished:

• Young women (20-30 years old) - from 4 to 15 mm / h;
• Pregnant women - from 20 to 45 mm / h;
• Middle-aged women (30-60 years old) - from 8 to 25 mm / h;
• Women of venerable age (over 60 years old) - from 12 to 53 mm / h.

ESR norm in men

In men, the rate of agglutination and sedimentation of erythrocytes is slightly less: in a blood test healthy man ESR varies within 8-10 mm/h. However, in men older than 60 years, the value is slightly higher. At this age, the average parameter for men is 20 mm / h. Deviation in men of this age group a value of 30 mm / h is considered, although for women this figure, albeit a little overpriced, does not require heightened attention and is not considered a sign of pathology.

What diseases cause increased ESR

Knowing the reasons for the increase and decrease in ESR, it becomes clear why changes in this indicator of the general blood test occur in certain diseases and conditions. So, ESR is increased in the following diseases and conditions:

1. Various inflammatory processes and infections, which is associated with an increase in the production of globulins, fibrinogen and proteins of the acute phase of inflammation.
2. Diseases in which there is not only an inflammatory process, but also decay (necrosis) of tissues, shaped elements blood and the intake of protein breakdown products into the bloodstream: purulent and septic diseases; malignant neoplasms; myocardial infarction, lung, brain, intestinal, pulmonary tuberculosis, etc.
3. Connective tissue diseases and systemic vasculitis: rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, periarteritis nodosa, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.
4. metabolic diseases: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes and etc.
5. Hemoblastosis (leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, etc.) and paraproteinemic hemoblastosis ( myeloma, Waldenström's disease).
6. Anemia associated with a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood (hemolysis, blood loss, etc.)
7. Hypoalbuminemia against the background of nephrotic syndrome, exhaustion, blood loss, liver diseases.
8. Pregnancy, postpartum period, during menstruation.

Is it necessary to reduce the ESR and how to do it

Based only on the indicator of increased ESR in the blood, or vice versa, you should not prescribe treatment - this is not advisable. First of all, an analysis is made to identify pathologies in the body, their causes are established. A comprehensive diagnosis is carried out, and only after all the indicators have been combined, the doctor determines the disease and its stage.

Traditional medicine recommends reducing the body sedimentation rate if visible reasons no health risk. The recipe is not complicated: red beets are boiled for three hours (tails should not be cut off) and every morning 50 ml of broth is drunk as a preventive measure. It should be taken in the morning before breakfast for a week, usually this will lower the rate, even if it is significantly increased. Only after a seven-day break should a second analysis be done, which will show the level of ESR and whether complex therapy to reduce it and cure the disease.

IN childhood parents should not panic if the result shows an increase in ESR in the blood.

The reasons for this are as follows. In a child, an increase and an indicator of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate can be observed in case of teething, unbalanced nutrition, lack of vitamins. If children complain of malaise, in this case, you should consult a doctor and carry out comprehensive examination, the doctor will establish why the ESR analysis is increased, after which the only correct treatment will be prescribed.

Blood test: opinion of a candidate of biological sciences

ESR or erythrocyte sedimentation rate is one of the main indicators determined during clinical trial blood. A change in its value in the direction of exceeding the norm occurs quite often with various inflammatory processes, as well as other pathological and physiological conditions. For this reason, many people are interested in the question of what methods can reduce ESR.

Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate is never considered as some kind of individual disease, therefore, to lower the ESR in the blood by some specific methods impossible, because they simply do not exist. But it is quite possible to influence the reason that caused the growth of this indicator.

Causes of high ESR

The ESR value to a large extent depends on the concentration of various proteins in the blood plasma (especially fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, etc.). That is, any pathological conditions, leading to increased formation of these substances in the body, can cause an increase in ESR. These states include:

• inflammatory processes of any localization (respiratory tract, genital organs, kidneys, musculoskeletal system, etc.);
• severe infectious diseases (especially tuberculosis, syphilis, sepsis, osteomyelitis);
• autoimmune diseases;
• myocardial infarction;
• malignant neoplasms;
• postoperative conditions;
• poisoning and intoxication;
• bone fractures, severe soft tissue injuries;
• paraproteinemia (with them, abnormal functionally incompetent proteins appear in the blood).

In addition, ESR increases with anemia, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, kidney disease, and when taking certain medications. There are also physiological prerequisites for an increase in ESR. This elderly age, more precisely, various age-related changes occurring in the body. In addition, ESR in the blood of women increases during menstruation, during pregnancy. Moreover, expectant mothers have an increase in this indicator even at times, which is explained by dilution of the blood and a change in its protein composition. It is also worth noting that after childbirth, high ESR numbers persist for some time.

Ways to reduce ESR in the blood

As mentioned above, there is only one way to reduce ESR in the blood - by eliminating the cause given state, that is, curing the underlying disease.

For this patient, it is necessary to carefully examine, since ESR is not a specific diagnostic parameter for specific diseases, and it is ineffective to treat inflammation without knowing its localization. Therefore, only after establishing an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will be able to prescribe a course of therapy and give recommendations that, by eliminating the pathological process in the body, will help to cope with high level ESR. However, it should be noted that it is not worth waiting for a quick result from the treatment, especially if the indicator is significantly increased. In such cases, even a gradual decrease in ESR reflects the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy.

As for self-administration of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, dietary supplements and other drugs to reduce the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, this can cause irreparable harm to health. If the increase in ESR in women is physiological in nature (associated with pregnancy or menstruation), then everything is simpler here: the indicator normalizes on its own after full recovery organism. There is no need to use any drugs or non-drug treatments.

Folk remedies to reduce ESR

I would like to draw attention to the fact that lowering the ESR is only folk remedies ineffective. However folk methods can be a good addition to the main treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Therefore, when increased speed erythrocyte sedimentation, various herbal infusions with anti-inflammatory effects are widely used, for example, chamomile, linden, coltsfoot, horsetail, etc. medicinal plants you can brew yourself or use multi-component fees. Another good anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent honey and other bee products are considered. Their use is possible only if there is no allergy to them.

Also, with high ESR numbers, agents are used to help purify the blood. These include beetroot decoction. To prepare it, it is necessary to cook unpeeled, but thoroughly washed beets from the ground for about 3 hours. The resulting remedy should be filtered and applied on an empty stomach chilled, lying in bed. single dose of this decoction - 50 ml, but the duration of the course of treatment is at least a week.

In addition, to purify the blood, you can use raw beet juice, which is recommended to be taken freshly squeezed 100 ml before bedtime for 10 days. good effect also has a remedy made from garlic and lemon juice. To do this, 400 g of chopped garlic is mixed with the juice of 25 lemons, the resulting drink is stored in dark place and taken in the evening, diluted in water (1 teaspoon per glass of boiled water).