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<br><br>C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. When CRP levels are high, it indicates the presence of inflammation. In this blog post, we will explore what high CRP levels mean, what causes them, and which doctor to consult if you have high CRP levels.<br><br>C Reactive Protein High Levels: What Does It Mean?<br>The Role of CRP in Inflammation<br>High levels of CRP indicate that there is inflammation in the body. CRP is produced by the liver in response to inflammatory cytokines, which are released by the immune system in response to an infection, injury, or disease.<br><br>Normal CRP Levels<br>Normal CRP levels are less than 10 mg/L. Levels between 10-100 mg/L indicate moderate inflammation, while levels above 100 mg/L indicate severe inflammation.<br><br> What Causes Increased CRP Levels?<br>Infections and Injuries<br>Infections and injuries are the most common causes of increased CRP levels. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can all trigger an immune response that leads to increased CRP levels.<br><br>Chronic Diseases<br>Chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease can cause increased CRP levels. These diseases lead to chronic inflammation, which causes the liver to produce more CRP.<br><br>Unhealthy Lifestyle<br>Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise can also contribute to increased CRP levels. These habits cause chronic inflammation in the body, which leads to increased CRP production.<br><br><br>Which Doctor to Consult for High CRP Levels?<br>Primary Care Physician<br>Your primary care physician is a good place to start if you have high CRP levels. They can perform an initial evaluation, order lab tests, and refer you to a specialist if necessary.<br><br>Rheumatologist<br>If you have an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you may need to see a rheumatologist. These specialists are trained to diagnose and treat autoimmune disorders.<br><br>Infectious Disease Specialist<br>If you have an infection that is causing your high CRP levels, you may need to see an infectious disease specialist. These doctors are trained to diagnose and treat infectious diseases.<br><br>Cardiologist<br>If you have high CRP levels and are at risk for heart disease, you may need to see a cardiologist. These specialists can help manage your risk factors and develop a treatment plan to reduce your risk of heart disease.<br><br>Conclusion:<br>High CRP levels indicate the presence of inflammation in the body, which can be caused by a variety of factors. If you have high CRP levels, it is important to see a doctor who can help determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. Your primary care physician can provide an initial evaluation and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
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