Causes for an increase in the CRP

There are many different causes that can lead to an increase in CRP. A distinction is made between a slight, moderate and strong increase in the CRP value. Here we go to the main article Causes for increased CRP valuesViral infections often only lead to a slight increase in the CRP value.

Slight urinary tract infections or gastrointestinal inflammations can also cause a slight increase. The CRP value then fluctuates between 10 and 50 mg/l. The CRP value can also be slightly increased during pregnancy.

A moderately increased CRP value of 10-40 mg/l over a longer period of time can be an indication of a viral infection or parasite infestation. The CRP continues to rise steadily during pregnancy. Smokers also show permanent increases in CRP.

Since the CRP value increases with the strength of the inflammation, it also serves as a marker for chronic inflammatory processes. These include the

Rheumatoid arthritis,
Crohn’s disease,
Coeliac condition or
Ulcerative collitis. Pregnant women usually experience moderate increases in the CRP value.

However, there are no exact reference values. If the CRP value is greatly increased during pregnancy, an inflammation, such as cystitis or pneumonia, should be ruled out. We urgently advise against unspecific antibiotics, which are only given because of the CRP increase.

On the one hand, the indication for taking medication should be very strictly defined during pregnancy and on the other hand, unnecessary antibiotic intake leads to resistance. There are many diseases where the CRP rises. All these diseases have a pronounced inflammatory reaction in common.

From values of about 200 mg/l, one speaks of a strong increase of the CRP. These occur mainly in the acute phase of an inflammation. For example, in infections such as urinary tract infections, it is possible that the CRP reaches 1000 times the reference value within a few hours.

In most cases, however, the value then also drops again quickly. Especially bacterial infections and inflammations cause high CRP values. CRP can also be initially high in appendicitis, diverticulitis, gall bladder inflammation and respiratory tract infections.

Typically, however, the value also drops rapidly. Maximum values are reached in cases of blood poisoning (sepsis) with the Staphylococcus aureus pathogen. Bacteria in the blood generally lead to a much stronger increase in CRP than viruses.

Other reasons for a strong increase in CRP are bacterial meningitis or pneumonia, serious surgery, severe inflammation of the pancreas or acute osteomyelitis. In addition to these inflammations, tumour diseases or autoimmune phenomena can also lead to a strong increase in CRP. Among others, rheumatic diseases and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (especially Crohn’s disease in acute phases) lead to a pronounced increase in CRP. Another reason for a strong increase in CRP is severe burns.