A positive C-reactive protein (CRP) test indicates that there is inflammation present in your body. This isn't a diagnosis in itself, but rather a sign that something is causing inflammation, which could range from a minor infection to a serious chronic condition.
Understanding a Positive CRP Result
A CRP test measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood. CRP is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. The higher the CRP level, the more inflammation is present.
What a Positive CRP Can Mean:
- Infection: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can trigger inflammation and elevate CRP levels. Examples include:
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Sepsis
- Tissue Injury: Any injury to the body, such as a broken bone, burn, or surgical procedure, can cause inflammation and raise CRP.
- Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Certain long-term conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, leading to consistently elevated CRP levels. Examples include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Vasculitis
- Heart Disease: Elevated CRP levels have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. While it doesn't directly cause heart disease, inflammation plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries).
- Cancer: Some cancers can cause inflammation and lead to a positive CRP result.
What Happens Next After a Positive CRP Test?
If your CRP test is positive, your doctor will likely order further tests to determine the cause of the inflammation. This may include:
- Physical examination: To assess your overall health and identify any potential sources of inflammation.
- Medical history review: To understand your past illnesses, medications, and lifestyle factors.
- Blood tests: To check for specific infections, autoimmune markers, or other indicators of disease.
- Imaging tests: Such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to visualize internal organs and tissues and identify areas of inflammation.
Treatment
Treatment for a positive CRP result depends entirely on the underlying cause of the inflammation. Options may include:
- Antibiotics: For bacterial infections.
- Antiviral medications: For viral infections.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): For autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Lifestyle changes: Such as diet and exercise, to manage chronic inflammation.
A positive CRP test isn't a diagnosis itself, but a helpful tool for identifying inflammation in the body so that your doctor can determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
