What can cause an ESR to rise?

Question

Let me rephrase that, a normal ESR for women under 50 is like 20, so what could cause it to rise 16? Because serious illnesses are around 100+ and small illnesses can cause it to rise by a little, so what could cause a female's ESR to rise by 16? Not including the flu, cold, joint pain and menustration (so possibly an abnormality she doesn't know she has)

Answer 1

The normal ESR for a female of 50 years of age is <20, the < sign means BELOW 20, so 1 to 20 is considered normal. At 25 they start to worry, in my case mine ticks over at 75, but I have Arthritis. Once it hit 125 and they panicked, wanted to send me to the Hospital, concerned my heart valves would be damaged. I refused am still here.
At 16, that is blow 20, so normal.

Answer 2

There are a multitude of possible causes starting with malignancy and including haematologic, connective tissue disorders, infections – TB etc -, various other causes – sarcoidosis – renal diseases, to hepatic cirrhosis. There are too many to detail here. In cases where more detailed medical information is required you would be advised to consult your doctor or local labororatory.
I add a link containing details of the subject.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/ask_
the_doctor/esrtest.shtml

Hope this helps
matador 89