A number of things may cause your CRP levels to be slightly higher than normal. These include obesity, lack of exercise, cigarette smoking, and diabetes. Certain medicines can cause your CRP levels to be lower than normal. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and steroids.
Why does CRP increase?
A high level of CRP in the blood is a marker of inflammation. It can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, from infection to cancer. High CRP levels can also indicate that there's inflammation in the arteries of the heart, which can mean a higher risk of heart attack.
What infections cause high CRP?
These include:
- Bacterial infections, such as sepsis, a severe and sometimes life-threatening condition.
- A fungal infection.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, a disorder that causes swelling and bleeding in the intestines.
- An autoimmune disorder such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
- An infection of the bone called osteomyelitis.
