Pneumonia and bronchitis |
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Pneumonia
Respiratory infections pose a problem
because many acute lower respiratory infections are mixed infections. CRP data
can contribute significantly to diagnosis, along with history and physical examination.
CRP measurement is recommended as the first-line method of screening in cases
of suspected pneumonia.
CRP concentrations of approx. >60 mg/l suggest pneumonia
of bacterial origin.
Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is rarely caused by bacteria
such as Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and it is seldom due to
bacterial infections severe enough to significantly increase the level of CRP
in serum. A negative CRP test is therefore useful in distinguishing between pneumonia
and bronchitis. Measurement of CRP is recommended to reduce the prescribing of
antibiotics in acute bronchitis and unspecific upper respiratory tract infections.
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