was ist der crp-wert — what are common causes?

CRP (C-reactive protein) is a non-specific inflammatory marker produced by the liver. Common causes of elevated CRP include acute infections (bacterial or viral), chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease, tissue damage from surgery or trauma, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle factors like smoking, stress, and physical inactivity can also moderately raise CRP. Importantly, a single elevated CRP value is not diagnostic—it only indicates inflammation is present, not its location or cause. Interpretation requires clinical context, additional labs (e.g., complete blood count, procalcitonin), and medical evaluation. Very high levels (>100 mg/L) often point to severe bacterial infection or sepsis. Mildly elevated levels (3–10 mg/L) can occur in chronic, non-infectious conditions. The evidence for CRP as an inflammatory marker is strong (human-strong), but identifying the underlying cause always requires a physician's assessment. Home tests like those from MyBody-X can screen for abnormalities but should not replace professional diagnosis.