C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that the liver produces, and it is released into the bloodstream when there is inflammation in the body. A CRP test measures the level of CRP in a sample of blood, and it is used to detect inflammation and monitor the progress of treatment for inflammation. If the CRP level is high, it may indicate that there is a serious health condition that causes inflammation. However, a high CRP level does not necessarily mean that there is a medical condition that needs treatment, especially if the level is only slightly elevated.

If you have a moderately to severely elevated CRP level, it probably means you have some type of inflammation. However, a CRP test cannot show the cause of the inflammation or where it is in your body. Therefore, your healthcare provider will likely order additional tests if your result shows a high CRP level. The symptoms of inflammation will depend on the condition that is causing it.

If your CRP levels fall, its a sign that your treatment for inflammation is working or youre healing on your own. However, CRP levels can vary over time, and labs measure CRP levels in different ways, so its best to ask your healthcare provider what your results mean.

In summary, a high CRP level may indicate inflammation in the body, but it does not necessarily mean that there is a medical condition that needs treatment. Additional tests may be needed to determine the cause of the inflammation. If your CRP levels fall, its a sign that your treatment for inflammation is working or youre healing on your own.