CIRS = Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

CIRS is a progressive chronic illness caused by biotoxin(s) exposure in genetically susceptible people. The immune system has trouble in recognizing the invader or cannot recognize at all. As a result, the biotoxin(s) stay in the body creating a continual inflammation response and the innate immune system "upregulates", as the docs say. CIRS is a "multi-system" illness, therefore, symptoms are multi-diverse. I had XX number of symptoms and body reacts/reacted to everything. What I did physically, food, smells, fabrics, everyday 'stressors', etc. and it progressed to extreme sensory sensitivity - lights, sounds, movement. Every thing. CIRS is crazy.

Biotoxins - The biotoxin(s) enter through inhalation, ingestion, a tick or spider bite, and/or contact with contaminated water. It seems that water damaged buildings, mold, are the largest culprit. Actinos and Endos (as I call them) are both up there with mold. If memory serves, the number is up to 30 fungi/bacteria are on the complete list. In my case, the docs believe mold, Actinos, and Lyme (tick bite) are the causes.

Genetic Make-Up - The genetic factors of CIRS are way over my head. What I do know is

that 24% of the population has the genetic mutation that plays a part. This mutation was explained to me as the “mold-susceptible” and/or “multi-susceptible”. My body is unable to recognize mold and other toxins (multi). I have both which is “most unfavorable” and makes me a “tough case”, per my specialist. She explained my body as a industry and I tweaked the story to a castle – hope to write her explanation later in my blog. If I do so, I’ll add the link here. 

Symptoms - CIRS can affect literally every system in the body, primarily the immune system. Because the illness effects multiple bodily symptoms, many symptoms arise. There are 13 symptom clusters and between 1 to 5 symptoms in each cluster. Interesting to note, some patients are misdiagnosed with other conditions such as – Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, PTSD, Alzheimer's, Depression, ADHD, Allergies, etc. Reason being, these diagnoses, and others, contain similar symptoms found in CIRS patients. I currently have nine diagnoses and am interested to see which ones are indeed misdiagnoses. One may be headed out in the next few weeks (fingers crossed).

Treatment – As CIRS is multi-everything, the treatment process is multi-staged. The crucial 1st step is to get out of exposure and live in a clean/safe space. Treatment generally involves three phases and one to five steps in each phase. The steps needed are determined by bloodwork. For example, one of my biomarkers tested in range, therefore I can skip those that step. One point to consider is comorbidities which can add complications and delay beginning a step. In my case, Lyme and an undiagnosed digestion disorder are stalling my progress. I've started phase 1, completing step 1 on January 1st 2024 by moving in a clean space. My body needs to heal a bit more, Lyme removed, and digestion corrected before I can begin on step 2 which is to start the prescription binder (CSM/Welchol). Thankfully I'm able to take a gentler binder in the meantime, at a very lose dose.

Well, that's it, the basics as I see CIRS. There is tons and tons of info out there and you can go down rabbit holes for miles and miles. I prefer keeping it simple. CIRS messes with the brain and I cannot afford to add to that problem. The best source, in my opinion, is Dr. Shoemaker. He's the doctor who discovered CIRS. His website is Surviving Mold.