What C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels Can Tell You About RA
Doctors can use your C-reactive protein (CRP) levels to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and see how well your treatment plan is working. Levels typically rise if you have inflammation or certain health conditions.CRP is a protein that’s produced by your liver in response to cytokines, primarily IL-6, which are secreted by immune system cells. It can be found in your blood. The levels of CRP in your blood will rise when you have an infection or major tissue injury. CRP levels in your blood also rise in response to inflammation. High CRP levels will fall when the underlying trigger is under control.The autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes a lot of inflammation in addition to symptoms such as swollen and painful joints. Keep reading to learn how CRP levels can be used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of RA.Normal C-reactive protein (CRP) levelsYour CRP levels should be within the normal range if you don’t have any infections or chronic inflammatory conditions such a...