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What Causes High CRP Count?
Question: Hello, question is about my 89 year old father. He had a blood test done last week; everything was normal (CBC, electrolytes, chemistry) except his CRP was at 16.5. I assumed he was coming of a cold. He had another test done this week, the WBC went from 6.8 to 8.0 and the CRP is 15.4. He has this chronic cough which doesn't go away. My question is should I be concerned with CRP of 15.4 and WBC of 8.0 and the chronic cough?? he does have history of aspiration pneumonia. physically he is fine, mentally he is also fine for him. Medication wise, he is on 5 mg norvasc, baby aspirin, aricept 10mg. Could the cough be a side effect of aricept? it seems to have increased when we increased the dosage from 5 to 10. thank you
Brief Answer:
It usually suggests early infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hello welcome to HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
CRP and WBC counts both are marker of infection or rather body's response to any invading agents. Also in old age it is not confirm that both will raise with infection.
So, my advice to you is -
1. Get his following investigations done and consult a doctor.
- Chest xray.
- sputum routine and culture
- Repeat CBC again.
Also now a new marker which is specific for infections is PRECALCITONIN levels. It is highly specific for infections than CRP. So, ask your doctor about it.
2.The other medications you are taking will not cause cough usually, including tab aricept. So, you can continue it beyond doubt.
3.Ask him do to daily hot water gargles with salt at home and steam inhalation. It will help him in chronic cough.
4.He might require a course of antibiotics but it should be given after reports. So consult your doctor, my advice will definitely guide you during that time.
5.IF doctor will think after clinical examination then your father might require CT scan of chest and pulmonary function test for chronic cough.
Thank you.
I hope I have given you satisfactory answer. If any questions you have then you are always welcome.
It usually suggests early infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hello welcome to HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
CRP and WBC counts both are marker of infection or rather body's response to any invading agents. Also in old age it is not confirm that both will raise with infection.
So, my advice to you is -
1. Get his following investigations done and consult a doctor.
- Chest xray.
- sputum routine and culture
- Repeat CBC again.
Also now a new marker which is specific for infections is PRECALCITONIN levels. It is highly specific for infections than CRP. So, ask your doctor about it.
2.The other medications you are taking will not cause cough usually, including tab aricept. So, you can continue it beyond doubt.
3.Ask him do to daily hot water gargles with salt at home and steam inhalation. It will help him in chronic cough.
4.He might require a course of antibiotics but it should be given after reports. So consult your doctor, my advice will definitely guide you during that time.
5.IF doctor will think after clinical examination then your father might require CT scan of chest and pulmonary function test for chronic cough.
Thank you.
I hope I have given you satisfactory answer. If any questions you have then you are always welcome.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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