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High inflammation markers (CRP or ESR)

Also called: Elevated CRP, high ESR, high sed rate, inflammation markers

Blood tests (CRP and ESR) that show inflammation somewhere in the body. They don't say where or why, so your doctor uses them with your symptoms and other tests.

TypeA blood test result
ShowsInflammation, not its cause
Common causesInfection, injury, arthritis

Overview

C-reactive protein (CRP) rises within hours of inflammation. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) changes more slowly.

Infections, injuries, autoimmune diseases, obesity, smoking, and pregnancy can all raise them.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Often no symptoms from the test itself

Less common

  • Fever
  • Joint pain or stiffness

Look up a symptom: Fatigue · Fever

When to get medical care

Call 911Fever with confusion, a stiff neck, or trouble breathing.
Get care todayHigh fever, or a very high CRP with feeling very ill.
See a doctor soonLevels stay high without a clear cause.

Causes

Infection, injury, autoimmune disease, cancer, obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and aging.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Older age

Diagnosis

Your doctor looks at the whole picture.

Questions you may be asked

  • Fever, joint pain, rashes, weight loss, or night sweats

The exam

A full exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Repeat tests: To see if levels change.
  • Other blood tests or imaging: Based on symptoms.

Treatment

High levels themselves aren't treated; the cause is.

Self-care

  • Don't smoke
  • Stay active and keep a healthy weight

Prevention

To lower long-term inflammation:

  • Don't smoke
  • Be active

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

The outlook depends on the cause.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • What could be causing this?
  • When should we repeat the test?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on High inflammation markers (CRP or ESR)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.