February 8, 2023
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C-reactive protein, or CRP, is a protein that is produced in the liver in response to inflammation. It is a marker for inflammation in the body and is often used to diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions. In this blog, we will explore what CRP is, what causes its levels to rise, how to test for it, and how much CRP level is dangerous.
Contents
What is CRP?
CRP is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is part of the body’s natural defense mechanism against infection and injury. CRP levels rise rapidly in response to inflammation and can be used to monitor the progress of inflammation. CRP levels can be elevated in a wide range of conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
What causes CRP levels to rise?
CRP levels can be elevated in response to a wide range of conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Infections can cause a rapid rise in CRP levels, and the level of CRP in the blood can be used to monitor the progress of the infection. Autoimmune diseases can cause a chronic increase in CRP levels, and the level of CRP in the blood can be used to monitor the activity of the disease.
How to test for CRP levels?
CRP levels can be measured in the blood using a simple blood test. The test measures the amount of CRP in the blood, and the results are reported in milligrams per litre (mg/L). The test can be done in a laboratory or at home using a home CRP test kit.
The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is commonly used by doctors to help diagnose or rule out various conditions, such as
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Osteomyelitis
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
It is also used to monitor individuals after surgery or invasive procedures to check for infection during their recovery. The CRP test cannot solely diagnose a condition or identify the location of inflammation, so additional tests are usually ordered. A CRP test may be ordered by a doctor if an individual presents symptoms of a serious bacterial infection, such as
- Fever
- Chills
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
Additionally, CRP tests may be used to monitor treatment progress for individuals with an infection or chronic inflammatory condition. If CRP levels decrease, it indicates that the treatment is working and the inflammation is subsiding.
What can I anticipate from my CRP test?
The following can be anticipated during a blood test or blood draw:
- The doctor will examine your arms for easily accessible veins as you sit in a chair.
- After finding a vein, they will clean and sanitise the area..
- They will then use a tiny syringe to draw blood from a vein in your arm. It might feel like a tiny pain.
- A tiny amount of blood will collect in a test tube after the needle has been inserted.
- They’ll take out the needle and hold a cotton ball or something similar to halt the bleeding once they have enough blood for the test.
- You’ll be done after they cover the wound with a cloth.
- Typically, the complete process lasts under five minutes.
How much CRP level is dangerous?
CRP levels can vary widely depending on the underlying condition causing inflammation. Generally, a CRP level of less than 10 mg/L is considered normal. CRP levels between 10 and 100 mg/L indicate mild to moderate inflammation, while levels above 100 mg/L indicate severe inflammation.
However, it’s important to note that a high CRP level doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a serious underlying condition. For example, a high CRP level may be seen in response to a minor infection or injury. Conversely, a normal CRP level doesn’t rule out the possibility of an underlying condition.
Moderate elevation
A CRP test result between 1.0 and 10.0 mg/dL is typically regarded as a moderately elevated amount. This outcome could mean any of the conditions listed below:
- Systemic inflammation is caused by autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, or other disorders.
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction).
- Pancreatitis
- Bronchitis
Marked elevation
More than 10 mg/dL on the CRP measurement is typically regarded as a marked elevation. This outcome could mean any of the circ*mstances listed below:
- Acute bacterial illnesses
- Viral infections.
- Vasculitis systemic.
- Major injury (trauma).
Severe elevation
An elevated CRP level of more than 50 mg/dL is typically regarded as serious. About 90% of the time, results higher than 50 mg/L are related to acute bacterial illnesses.
What does having a low CRP mean?
There is no such thing as a low CRP level, as the normal CRP level is generally less than 0.9 mg/dL. If a previous high CRP result has decreased, it indicates that inflammation is decreasing and/or treatment for the inflammation is effective.
Should I be worried if my CRP number is abnormal?
Even if your CRP levels are only slightly elevated, having high amounts of CRP does not always indicate a medical condition requiring treatment. Your CRP levels can increase due to a number of variables, including smoking, recent injuries, and specific medical conditions. Additionally, there may have been a mistake in the exam’s collection, delivery, or processing.
Your healthcare provider will go over your findings with you if they are abnormal. To find out why your CRP values are abnormal, they might ask for more tests.
Which doctor is best for CRP?
When assessing inflammation levels using blood tests like the CRP test and antibodies, rheumatologists also take into account physical symptoms and imaging results such as X-rays and MRIs. Therefore, rheumatologists are among the doctors who are best equipped to interpret CRP results and diagnose conditions related to inflammation.
People also ask
What happens if CRP is high?
You may have a severe health condition that causes inflammation if your CRP levels are high. Your body uses inflammation as a means to defend your tissues and speed up the process of healing after an injury, infection, or other diseases. Acute (sudden) and transient inflammation are both possible. Usually, this kind of irritation is advantageous.
What infections cause high CRP?
Pneumonia typically has significantly elevated CRP levels, and in general practice, a high CRP level has been shown to be a reliable indicator of this illness. Uncomplicated viral respiratory infections, especially those brought on by the influenza virus and adenovirus, can also present with elevated CRP values.
When should I worry about CRP?
The CRP levels of an individual change over time. The average of two hs-CRP assays should be used to determine the risk of coronary artery disease. It is ideal to take them two weeks apart. A higher risk of heart attacks or a higher risk of recurrent heart attacks may be indicated by values higher than 2.0 mg/L.
Disclaimer: We recommend consulting a Doctor before taking any action based on the above shared information.
