A C-reactive protein (CRP) level is considered high when it's more than 10 mg/L. This elevated level signifies that there is inflammation occurring somewhere in the body.
Understanding CRP Levels
CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Measuring CRP levels in the blood can help doctors detect and monitor inflammatory conditions.
- Normal CRP: Generally less than 1.0 mg/L.
- Minor Elevations (1.0 - 10 mg/L): Can be caused by mild inflammation due to things like a cold, obesity, or smoking.
- Significant Elevations (Greater than 10 mg/L): Indicates a more significant inflammatory process, potentially due to infection, injury, or a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Very High Elevations (Greater than 50 mg/L): Often associated with acute bacterial infections.
What a High CRP Indicates
When your CRP level is high (above 10 mg/L), it suggests that your body is experiencing inflammation. The specific cause of the inflammation needs to be determined through further investigation. Potential causes include:
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis.
- Tissue Injury: Trauma or surgery.
- Certain Cancers: Some cancers can cause inflammation.
What to Do if Your CRP is High
If your CRP is high, your doctor will likely order additional tests to identify the underlying cause. This might involve:
- Physical Examination: To look for signs of infection or inflammation.
- Blood Tests: To check for specific infections, autoimmune markers, or organ function.
- Imaging Studies: Such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to visualize internal organs and tissues.
Once the cause of the inflammation is identified, your doctor can develop a treatment plan to address the underlying condition and reduce your CRP levels. If you are being treated for an infection or inflammatory condition, your CRP levels should decrease as the condition improves.
