Suggest Treatment For Elevated CRP Levels

Posted on Mon, 6 Mar 2017

Question: I had some blood work done today. I went into the doctor because I have been having some stomach issues. The blood work is so far normal besides C-Reactive IVITY CRP. The component is CRP, High Sensitivity. My value came out as 5.8mg/L. The standard range is 0.0-3.0 mg/l. So I tested over the standard range. What does this mean? Do I have reason to be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
CRP:

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

An elevated C-Reactive Protein test means that there is some inflammation happening in the body somewhere. But it is a non-specific test - it doesn't show where the inflammation is or what is causing it.

There are many different things that can cause an elevated CRP. It can be due to an infection, an autoimmune disease, and sometimes cancer. So it can be from things that are fairly innocuous to things that are more severe.

As with many lab tests, it's interpretation has to be based on context which is provided by history, physical exam, and other lab tests.

So, I recommend that you follow up with your doctor for interpretation of the meaning of it in your particular situation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (9 minutes later)

I do have psoriasis could this be why I have higher levels?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Yes, inflammation from psoriasis can definitely cause inflammation, which would be picked up on a CRP.

Do you know why your doctor ordered the test? What he/she was trying to investigate?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (8 minutes later)

Well I have had diarrhea on and off for about two weeks. So I had some bloodwork done. All the other tests came out so far. she recommended I go on a gluten and a dairy free diet for a week . Also take a probiotic daily. I am very worried something is wrong.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Ok, I think your doctor was looking to see if there is an inflammatory process going on in your intestines. Celiac disease (gluten intolerance) can cause inflammation, as can a gut infection. So it's likely she was looking to see if, and how much, inflammation is going on.

If the diarrhea has only been going on for 2 weeks (rather than for months), I think the gluten free, dairy free diet with a probiotic is a good idea.

There are some gastrointestinal infections going around where I am in Wisconsin, and given how connected we all are nowadays, it would not be unlikely for it to be in your area too.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (9 minutes later)

Thank you so much! Very helpful!

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Best regards -

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome! I hope you are feeling better soon!

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar