The most common cause of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels is a severe infection. Other significant contributors include poorly controlled autoimmune diseases and substantial tissue damage.
Understanding CRP Levels
CRP is a protein produced by your liver, and it increases in your body when there is inflammation. This is why it's often used as a marker for inflammation throughout the body. Elevated levels are not a diagnosis in themselves but a sign that something may be amiss.
Common Causes of High CRP
Here's a breakdown of the common causes based on the reference provided:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Severe Infection | Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause a significant increase in CRP. |
| Autoimmune Disease | Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, when poorly controlled, often cause elevated CRP. |
| Tissue Damage | Significant injuries, surgery, or other forms of damage to body tissues can raise CRP levels. |
Specific Examples
- Infections: Pneumonia, cellulitis, and urinary tract infections can cause CRP to rise rapidly.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Flare-ups of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus can lead to higher CRP levels.
- Tissue Damage: Following major surgery, a heart attack, or a serious accident, CRP levels often increase.
Practical Insights
- Monitoring: Doctors often use CRP tests to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for inflammatory conditions or to detect infection.
- Combined with Other Tests: CRP is usually interpreted alongside other tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), to provide a more complete picture of a person’s health status.
- Lowering CRP: Addressing the underlying cause of the elevated CRP will usually help bring the levels down. This may include antibiotics for infections, immunosuppressant medications for autoimmune diseases, or time for the body to heal from tissue damage.
Additional Considerations
While the above points cover the main causes from the provided references, it is important to remember that other less common causes may contribute to elevated CRP levels. It's always best to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
