About C-reactive protein (CRP):
- It is a protein made by the liver.
- The level of CRP increases when there's inflammation in the body.
- A CRP test measures the level of CRP in blood.
- By measuring the levels of CRP in blood, a CRP test can tell the health care provider about the inflammation of the body.
- High CRP levels may mean an acute or chronic health condition, such as:
- Infections from bacteria or viruses.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, disorders of the intestines that include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis.
- Lung diseases, such as asthma.
- Smoking and exposure to environmental toxins such as polluted air and hazardous waste can also cause high CRP levels.
