Introduction
CRP (C-reactive protein) is an important parameter that is usually determined when an inflammatory reaction in the body is suspected. It is a protein that is produced in the liver and acts as part of the body’s own defense system by helping to recognize and fight microorganisms and diseased cells. The determination of the CRP is used to assess and evaluate a suspected inflammatory reaction.
However, the value must always be assessed in conjunction with other findings. In addition, the value may be elevated even without relevant inflammation and, on the other hand, a CRP value that is not elevated does not rule out a – possibly beginning – severe infection. Click here for the main article: Inflammation values in the blood – What do elevated values indicate?
Acute causes
If an acute inflammatory reaction occurs in a person, the immune system reacts by releasing various defense substances such as CRP. For this reason, an elevated CRP value can also be observed in blood tests (usually with a delay of hours to days after the start of the inflammatory reaction). Another typical acute cause of elevated CRP values is, for example, major surgery. These are a burden for the body and also lead to an activation of the defense system and thus usually also to a significant increase in the CRP value.
Chronic causes
If the immune system is constantly activated, this can be the chronic cause of elevated CRP levels. For example, a non-healing wound, such as a wound healing disorder after an operation, can cause the body to secrete CRP when defending itself against microorganisms, which can lead to increased blood concentrations. Likewise, other infections, such as those of the urinary bladder or respiratory tract, can also be a chronic cause of elevated CRP levels if they are not cured.
However, it also happens that chronically elevated CRP values are measured without the presence of inflammation. For example, tobacco use can cause an increase in the value above the normal range. People who suffer from a chronic disease of the intestine or joints (rheumatism), for example, also often have elevated CRP values.
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