A positive CRP test means there's inflammation happening somewhere in your body.
Understanding a Positive CRP Test
A C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test measures the amount of CRP in your blood. CRP is a protein made by your liver in response to inflammation. A positive test result (meaning a higher-than-normal level of CRP) is a signal that your body is experiencing inflammation.
What Does a Positive CRP Indicate?
According to the reference, a positive CRP test indicates the presence of inflammation in the body, which can be a sign of infection, tissue injury, or chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, it is not a diagnosis itself but a pointer to inflammation that needs further investigation.
Possible Causes of Elevated CRP:
- Infections: Both bacterial and viral infections can trigger an increase in CRP levels.
- Examples include: pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
- Tissue Injury: Any damage to your tissues, such as an injury or surgery, can result in inflammation.
- Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Several chronic conditions are linked to ongoing inflammation.
- Examples include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Lupus
- Examples include:
- Other conditions: Some less common causes might involve certain cancers or other illnesses
What Happens After a Positive CRP Test?
A positive CRP test usually leads to further testing and evaluation to identify the specific cause of inflammation.
- Follow-up Tests: Your doctor will likely order additional tests such as:
- Blood tests to check for infection.
- Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs) to visualize affected tissues or organs.
- Specific tests for autoimmune diseases.
- Medical History and Physical Examination: A thorough review of your medical history and a physical examination can also provide clues about the cause of the inflammation.
- Treatment: The treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of the inflammation.
- Infections: Antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Medications to manage the inflammation and symptoms will be considered. This might include steroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Injuries: Pain management and other treatments to support healing may be recommended.
Key Takeaways:
- A positive CRP test indicates inflammation but does not specify the cause or location.
- Further medical evaluations are usually needed to diagnose the root cause of the inflammation.
- The specific treatment approach depends entirely on the underlying reason for the elevated CRP.
| Test Result | Meaning | Possible Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Indicates inflammation in the body | Infections, tissue injury, chronic conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease), some cancers |
