High CRP: what it means and what to do

A high CRP means there is inflammation in your body. Usually it is a passing infection, like a cold, and the number comes back down once you recover. If it stays a little high when you are well, weight, smoking and too little movement are often behind it. More rarely the cause is an illness that needs treatment. That is why a very high result, or one that stays high, should be seen by a doctor.

What high CRP means

Your liver makes CRP when there is inflammation. The stronger the inflammation, the higher it goes: with an infection it can rise tenfold or a hundredfold.

How high it is matters. Just above the limit, when you are well, it is often background inflammation linked to lifestyle. Above 10, an infection or inflammation going on right now is usually behind it.

One high result does not show the inflammation is chronic: a second test is needed, done when you are well.

What causes high CRP

There is often more than one. The most common come first.

Symptoms of high CRP

High CRP on its own causes no symptoms. When it is only a little high, from background inflammation, you usually feel nothing.

If there are symptoms, they come from the cause. For example:

CRP shows how strong the inflammation is, not where it comes from. If you have symptoms, talk to your doctor.

High CRP and cancer

Many people wonder about this. A high CRP usually does not mean cancer: the most common causes are infections, weight, smoking and background inflammation.

Some cancers can raise it, but CRP is not a test for finding them. A normal CRP does not rule them out, and a high one usually has other causes.

If it stays high over several tests with no clear reason, your doctor looks for the cause, with an examination and other tests.

Which tests to read alongside it

These tests help show where it comes from and how much it matters.

What your result means

The upper end of the scale, in mg/L. If your report is in mg/dL, multiply by ten first.

How to lower your CRP

It depends on the cause. Where to start:

Do not take anti-inflammatories or supplements to lower it without asking your doctor: finding the cause is what counts.

High CRP: when to worry

Talk to your doctor if:

With Rosa, a CRP above 10 mg/L is always flagged to a doctor, who usually has it repeated; above 100, urgently.

Frequently asked questions

When is CRP a worry? Above 10 mg/L it should be seen by a doctor, who usually has it repeated once you are well. Above 100, see a doctor the same day. A result just above the limit, if you feel well, is usually not urgent.

Slightly high CRP: should I worry? Usually not, if you feel well. What counts is the average of two draws a few weeks apart, away from any infection or vaccine: talk to your doctor. If it stays a little high, work on weight, movement, sleep and smoking.

What symptoms does high CRP cause? None on its own. Symptoms come from the cause: with an infection, for example, fever, cough or burning when you pass urine. Background inflammation usually cannot be felt.

High ESR and CRP: what does it mean? Both show there is inflammation, but not where. Often it is an infection that is passing. If they stay high, or you have symptoms, talk to your doctor.

High CRP but normal ESR: what does it mean? It happens often: CRP rises within hours and ESR more slowly, so early in an inflammation ESR can still be normal. If CRP stays high, talk to your doctor.

Can a tooth problem raise CRP? Yes, it can. An abscess or inflamed gums can raise it. If your gums often bleed, see your dentist.

How long does CRP take to come down? After an infection it usually falls within a few days. If weight, smoking or too little movement are behind it, changes show over a few months.

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