Understanding Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is an exaggerated immune response triggered by hazardous organic substances known as biotoxins. People can become exposed to biotoxins by living in water damaged buildings where mold grows, inhaling airborne biotoxins, or by ingesting contaminated food or water. According to OSHA, up to 50% of buildings in the U.S. have water damage, so the chance of exposure is pretty high. [1]
For many people, these biotoxins are recognized by their immune system, broken down by antibodies, and removed from the body through their stool. However, genetically-susceptible people’s immune systems don’t recognize the biotoxin and fail to remove it. When biotoxins get stuck in your body, they continuously recirculate from cell to cell. This puts a strain on your entire system and inflammation becomes chronic and detrimental. There is no off switch. About 25% of the population have a genetic propensity towards CIRS illness. [2]
A Complex, Multi-system, Multi-symptom Illness
Chronic Inflammation from biotoxins can cause a myriad of symptoms across multiple body systems—digestive, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and pulmonary—damaging tissues and disrupting normal bodily functions. Symptoms can appear random which often leads to patients being misdiagnosed as having Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, among others.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with CIRS include:
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Mood swings
Headache
Icepick-like pains
Frequent urination
Heavy thirst
Fatigue
Digestive problems
Brain fog
Joint and muscle pain
Chronic fatigue
Numbness
Abdominal pain
Aches
Cramping
Functional Medicine Strategies
Understanding how CIRS manifests in the body is incredibly complicated and needs to be treated by relying on the evidence. I am a IFM certified functional medicine provider and have completed the most advanced and comprehensive training from The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) in mold, Lyme, and biotoxin-related illness known as CIRS. Additionally, I am honored to be one of only three Shoemaker Protocol™ Proficiency Partners in the state of Georgia. The Shoemaker Protocol is the only scientifically proven, published, peer-reviewed method to effectively identify, diagnose, and treat CIRS.
Treatment and management of CIRS looks differently for each person. It depends on your genetic makeup, current nutrient levels, and the type of triggers your body is facing. Treatment may include toxin binders, immune modulators, and other medication to improve recovery. What is just as critical to proper treatment is helping you with mind-body-spirit techniques—eating a healthier diet, exercising regularly, stress management, tapping into community or faith-based support, sleeping better, and maintaining a healthy environment. The integration of mind, body, and spirit is central to my functional medicine practice.
To Learn More
Watch my video as I share insights from my conversation with Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, the founder of the CIRS protocol, and explain how genetic factors can lead to systemic inflammation.
Set up a Discovery Session so we can take a whole-person approach to analyze your symptoms comprehensively, diagnose accurately, and provide effective treatment, getting you on the path to better health.
References
Surviving Mold. "What Is a Water-Damaged Building?" Surviving Mold. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.survivingmold.com/resources-for-patients/mold-symptoms/what-is-a-water-damaged-building.
Surviving Mold. "Diagnosis." Surviving Mold. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.survivingmold.com/resources-for-patients/diagnosis.
The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not intend to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.