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Could Pneumonia Be The Cause For High ESR And Is It A Serious Concern?

Posted on Thu, 26 Dec 2013

Question: My mother has recently recovered form community acquired pneumonia. She had a severe case and was in ICU for two weeks and on a ventilator for a week. We were told she was lucky to be alive. She returned today for 4 week check up X-rays clearing but was told ESR rate high at 103. Asked to return for CT scan next week. Although weak she otherwise feels fine walking going out etc. Could this high reading be a result of the pneumonia still being in system. We are worried that it could be something more sinister. She has no pain or joint aches.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Follows. Detailed Answer: Dear Madam, Thank you for posting your query on XXXXXXX Well looking into your problem I would like to tell you that ESR is a test that indirectly measures how much inflammation is going on in the body. It is a non specific test and any kind of infection and inflammation may lead to increased values . I will advise you to repeat the test after 2 weeks. If it is due to pneumonia it will show a downward trend because by then the inflammation will be settled but if it still remains high alternate diagnosis will need to be considered . But in my opinion it seems to be due to prent episode of pneumonia only . Take care. Dr. Shruti

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar