CRP (C-reactive protein) is a non-specific inflammatory marker produced by the liver. An elevated CRP level indicates inflammation or tissue damage in the body, but it does not cause symptoms itself. Typical symptoms that may accompany high CRP include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, swelling, or redness – depending on the underlying cause (e.g., infection, autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation). In cases of chronically mildly elevated CRP (e.g., 2–10 mg/L), non-specific complaints like malaise or joint pain can occur. Importantly, CRP is not a diagnostic tool for a specific disease; it is a clue that requires further investigation. Its clinical use is well-established („practice“), but interpretation requires medical expertise. A normal CRP does not rule out inflammation. Evidence is based on decades of clinical practice, not on randomized trials for symptoms. Therefore, the evidence level is „practice“. No specific sources from the provided context.
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