What is the cause for increase in CRP level?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 30-year-old male. My laboratory results suggest,

1. Normal CBC, ESR, kidney function, and liver function.

2. Normal CT scan of the brain.

3. I am not diabetic and do not have blood pressure or heart disease.

4. I am negative for all the viruses A, B, C, and HIV gen 1,2, and 3.

5. Elevated CRP level is 8.

6. My health condition is IBS, anxiety, tension headaches, allergic rhinitis, and poor dental care.

I have an elevated CRP level, and I do not know why? And also how can my ESR be normal while my CRP is not?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The CRP (C-reactive protein) is raised in case of any inflammation in the body. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) does not always need to be increased when CRP is raised because ESR is a non-specific marker of inflammation. It does not make as much sense as that of CRP. Your CRP value mildly increased, which will fall within range once inflammation resolution occurs. Allergic rhinitis might be the cause. Irritable bowel syndrome and tension headache are associated with anxiety.

So you need to treat anxiety with anxiolytic medicine and with the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) group of drugs for a few months, along with counseling. For anxiety treatment, you can visit a nearby psychiatrist.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.