Myths vs facts: CRP Entzündung and Allergie

CRP (C-reactive protein) is a non-specific inflammatory marker that rises during infections, tissue damage, and chronic inflammation. Myth: Elevated CRP proves an allergy. Fact: CRP increases only indirectly in allergies – e.g., during severe allergic reactions or concurrent inflammation. In classic IgE-mediated allergies (hay fever, food allergy), CRP is often normal. More specific markers include eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) or IgE. Genetic variants (e.g., rs2228570 in the VDR gene) influence immune regulation but do not directly determine CRP or allergies. Evidence for CRP as an allergy marker is weak; clinically, CRP is used more for infections or autoimmune diseases. Caution: Persistently high CRP may indicate cardiovascular risk, not allergies. For suspected allergy, specific tests (skin prick test, specific IgE) are required. CRP alone has limited diagnostic value.