Concerned About Elevated CRP Levels
Hello doctors, I am a 24-year-old female and was diagnosed with H. Pylori back in December 2025. Following my diagnosis, I underwent treatment using clarithromycin triple therapy, and six weeks later, a stool antigen test confirmed that the infection had been eradicated. I adhered to the recommended guidelines, which included avoiding antibiotics for four weeks and refraining from proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for a two-week window. Although I did not experience ulcers or severe symptoms, I did have some mild erosions and persistent, albeit minor, discomfort. Over the course of the year, my C-reactive protein (CRP) levels fluctuated from 6 to 12, then 15, and finally peaked at 18 mg/L, likely influenced by various treatments and antibiotics I received for potential gastrointestinal issues, prior to confirming the H. Pylori diagnosis. My highest reading of 18 mg/L was recorded on December 31, 2025, just two weeks after completing my antibiotic course on December 17. I began taking omega-3 supplements as of January 13 and saw a reduction in CRP levels to 12 mg/L by January 31, approximately six weeks post-antibiotic treatment. While I view this decline as a positive development, I'm feeling anxious due to conflicting information suggesting H. Pylori typically does not induce significantly elevated inflammation levels. I also struggle with obesity and have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance. Could the heightened CRP levels be attributed to my underlying inflammation? Is the reduction from 18 to 12 mg/L a good sign? Or might it merely stem from the omega-3 intake, with my body remaining inflamed due to other causes? Additionally, do CRP levels typically decrease gradually after treatment?
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 11:40:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns about your elevated CRP levels and your health background. It’s understandable to feel anxious, especially when faced with fluctuating test results and multiple health conditions.
Main Points:
- Fluctuations in CRP levels can be influenced by various factors, including inflammation from conditions like obesity and PCOS.
- A reduction in CRP levels from 18 to 12 mg/L is a positive sign, indicating some level of improvement.
- Addressing underlying conditions may also play a significant role in managing CRP levels over time.
Explanation:
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation in the body. It can be elevated for several reasons, such as chronic conditions, infections, or inflammation due to obesity and PCOS. While H. Pylori can cause inflammation, significant elevations in CRP are often related to broader inflammatory responses in the body.
Your reduction in CRP from 18 to 12 mg/L is encouraging and suggests a positive response to your omega-3 supplementation or possibly a decrease in overall inflammation. It’s important to note that CRP levels don’t always return to normal immediately after treatment; gradual decreases can be typical, depending on various factors affecting your health.
Next Steps:
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Continue Omega-3 Supplements: Since you've noticed an improvement in CRP levels, maintain your omega-3 supplementation as instructed. They can help reduce inflammation over time.
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Monitor Your Weight and PCOS Symptoms: Work on a balanced diet and exercise plan tailored to your needs to address obesity and insulin resistance, which may help lower CRP levels further.
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Track Symptoms: Keep a symptoms diary related to any discomfort you experience and any changes in your overall health or medication. This can provide useful insights for discussions with your healthcare provider.
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Manage Stress and Anxiety: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation. Stress can influence inflammation levels, so finding ways to reduce it may help.
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Regular Follow-ups: Continue to monitor your CRP levels regularly, and stay in touch with your healthcare provider to discuss any ongoing concerns or test results.
If you have further questions or need detailed guidance on managing your conditions, feel free to ask. You're not alone in this, and many people experience similar health challenges.
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