<s>[INST] I am a 43 year old women, non smoker, with an ESR of 80 - was tested first time at 30 and 10 days later at 80 - i have itching all over which i am taking antihystamine tablets for, but the itching is getting worse and I am itching over my tablets.   Have been referred for chest x-ray.   I do have stenosis in my spine but have been diagnosed with that for over 20 years.   What could be the reason for such an increase in my ESR. [/INST] Hi, dairy have gone through your question. I can understand your concern. There are many causes of high ESR. Tuberculosis, anemia, infection, connective tissue disease, paraproteinemia, cancer all can lead to high ESR. You should investigate for the cause first and then take treatment accordingly. You will get benefit. Hope I have answered your question, if you have any doubts then contact me at bit.ly/ Chat Doctor. Thanks for using Chat Doctor. Wish you a very good health. </s>