entzündungsmarker

Entzündungsmarker are substances in the blood or other bodily fluids that indicate the presence of inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury, infection, or irritation. These markers can help doctors diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions. Commonly measured entzündungsmarker include C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and various cytokines such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).

Elevated levels of these markers suggest that an inflammatory process is occurring. However, entzündungsmarker are not specific to a particular cause of inflammation. High CRP, for example, can be seen in infections, autoimmune diseases, or even after surgery. Therefore, they are typically used in conjunction with other clinical information and diagnostic tests.

CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube, which is slower when inflammation is present. Cytokines are signaling proteins that play a crucial role in regulating the immune response and inflammation. Monitoring entzündungsmarker levels can also be useful in assessing the effectiveness of treatment for inflammatory diseases.