What causes elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) may be caused by intense physical exercise, smoking, cystitis, surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, or other factors. To maintain good health, it is important to avoid excessive fatigue and to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and enhancing immunity, in order to prevent inflammatory responses and abnormal increases in hs-CRP levels.
Under normal circumstances, elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels may be caused by intense physical exercise, smoking, cystitis, surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, or other reasons. If any of these conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Intense Physical Exercise
After intense physical activity, the body enters a state of stress, which may temporarily increase levels of certain proteins, including hs-CRP. It is important in daily life to get adequate rest and allow the body time to recover.
2. Smoking
Tobacco contains numerous harmful substances. Long-term smoking can lead to chronic inflammatory responses in the body, causing sustained elevation of hs-CRP. This condition can be improved by quitting smoking.
3. Cystitis
Cystitis is caused by bacterial infection. The resulting inflammatory response stimulates liver cells to produce large amounts of hs-CRP, leading to increased blood levels. Symptoms may include fever and chills. Treatment should follow a physician's guidance and may involve medications such as levofloxacin tablets, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets.
4. Surgery
Surgery is a planned medical procedure involving cutting or repairing body tissues to treat disease, repair injuries, or improve bodily function. Tissue damage and stress responses caused by surgery can increase systemic inflammation, leading to elevated hs-CRP levels. Patients may also experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and reduced appetite. Medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, celecoxib capsules, or tramadol hydrochloride sustained-release tablets may be used under a doctor’s advice.
5. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis may result from genetic factors, adverse environmental exposures, immune system dysfunction, and endocrine factors. It can cause chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane in joints, leading to the aforementioned symptoms, along with possible low-grade fever, weight loss, and fatigue. Patients should follow medical advice and take medications such as methotrexate tablets, hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, or sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets.
To maintain good health, individuals should avoid excessive fatigue, adopt healthy lifestyle habits—such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption—and strengthen immunity to prevent inflammatory responses and abnormal increases in hs-CRP levels.
