What are the Symptoms of High C-Reactive Protein?
October 15, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. It is a marker often used in blood tests to detect and monitor the presence and extent of inflammation. High levels of CRP can be indicative of various underlying health issues, although CRP levels alone do not cause specific symptoms. Instead, symptoms are typically associated with the conditions that lead to elevated CRP levels.
- Inflammatory Disorders: Elevated CRP levels can be seen in various inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms of these disorders can include joint pain, stiffness, redness, swelling, and fatigue.
- Infections: Infections, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, can trigger an inflammatory response and increase CRP levels. Symptoms of infections vary depending on the type and location, ranging from fever, chills, body aches, cough, sore throat, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea.
- Cardiovascular Issues: High CRP levels are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and coronary artery disease. Symptoms of these conditions can include chest pain or angina, shortness of breath, fatigue, and in severe cases, heart attacks.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and vasculitis may result in elevated CRP levels. Symptoms often encompass fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and sometimes organ involvement, leading to a range of other symptoms based on the affected organs.
- Chronic Conditions: Chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes can also cause elevated CRP levels. These conditions might present symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
- Cancer: Some cancers and certain tumor types can trigger inflammation, consequently elevating CRP levels. Symptoms of cancer can vary widely depending on the type and stage but might include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, changes in the skin, and noticeable lumps or growths.
- Post-Surgery or Trauma: After surgery or a significant injury, CRP levels can temporarily rise due to the body’s healing process. Symptoms during this time can include pain, swelling, limited mobility, and surgical incision-related symptoms.
It’s crucial to emphasize that interpreting CRP levels should always be done in conjunction with a thorough medical evaluation by a healthcare professional. Elevated CRP is a sign that further investigation is needed to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Monitoring and managing CRP levels can aid in assessing the effectiveness of treatment for the associated condition and assessing the risk of future health problems.