Evidence check: hsCRP in the context of allergy

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a non-specific inflammatory marker produced by the liver in response to interleukin-6. In the context of allergies, hsCRP is often elevated in conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. However, the evidence is mixed: many studies show moderate associations, but hsCRP is not allergen-specific and is also influenced by infections, obesity, smoking, and stress. An elevated hsCRP alone cannot diagnose an allergy or reliably predict its severity. In clinical practice, hsCRP is primarily used as a cardiovascular risk marker. In allergic patients, it may indicate a systemic inflammatory component but does not replace specific IgE tests or provocation tests. Population-based studies (e.g., NHANES) show higher hsCRP levels in allergic individuals, but effect sizes are small. In summary, hsCRP is a weak, non-specific surrogate marker in the allergological context and should not be used as a standalone diagnostic or therapeutic decision parameter.