The “C-reactive protein” or CRP for short is an important blood laboratory value that is always increased when an inflammation is triggered in the body, for example by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and so on. So it is only a guide, as there can be many different causes.
CRP is a protein that is produced in the liver. It helps to get rid of various uninvited guests, for example by attaching itself to a bacterium so that the immune system can more easily recognize the pathogen and then eliminate it. If this is successful, this value falls back below its limit of 5 mg / liter within a few days.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor will arrange further examinations. From a harmless runny nose to chronic bowel inflammation or a rheumatic disease, anything can be behind it.
However, if the CRP value exceeds the normal value over a longer period of time, it is also considered a marker for arteriosclerosis and is therefore a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases up to and including myocardial infarction. So-called silent inflammation, which hardly causes more intense symptoms, such as chronic periodontitis or frequently recurring vaginal thrush, should be taken seriously, as it nibbles on permanent health like a gnawing tooth. If your CRP value has returned to normal during the check-up, such a short-term increase should not be a cause for concern. However, if it is still too high, your doctor will advise you which behavior changes or examinations are necessary to maintain your health.
Do you have any questions about health?
Write to OÖN doctor Johannes Neuhofer (dermatologist), who is in charge of this column with a team of doctors: Clemens Steinwender (cardiologist), Reinhold Függer (surgeon), Rainer Schöfl (gastroenterologist), Josef Hochreiter (orthopedist), Werner Schöny (psychiatrist)
E-mail: doktor@nachrichten.at
Source: Nachrichten
