What is CIRS?

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a complex, multi-system illness triggered by exposure to biotoxins, such as mold, Lyme disease co-infections, or toxic algae. Unlike typical allergic reactions, CIRS is a chronic immune system dysfunction, leading to widespread inflammation and long-term health complications.

What Causes CIRS?

CIRS occurs when the body’s immune system fails to properly recognize and eliminate biotoxins. This can happen due to genetic predisposition, making some individuals unable to process toxins efficiently. The most common sources of exposure include:

Water-damaged buildings (mold and mycotoxins)
Tick-borne illnesses (Lyme disease and co-infections)
Toxic algae blooms (such as those found in lakes or oceans)

What Are the Symptoms of CIRS?

CIRS affects multiple systems in the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including:

Cognitive Issues: Brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating
Fatigue: Chronic exhaustion, unrefreshing sleep, extreme tiredness
Respiratory Problems: Sinus congestion, shortness of breath, asthma-like symptoms
Neurological Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, tingling, sensitivity to light or sound
Musculoskeletal Pain: Joint pain, muscle cramps, body aches
Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, bloating, food intolerances
Mood and Psychological Effects: Anxiety, depression, mood swings

Because symptoms are diverse and often misdiagnosed as other conditions (such as chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia), CIRS can go undetected for years.

How is CIRS Diagnosed?

CIRS diagnosis requires specialized testing and a detailed symptom assessment. Some key tests include:

Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) Test – Measures neuroinflammation related to biotoxin exposure
HLA-DR Genetic Testing – Identifies genetic susceptibility to CIRS
Bloodwork Panels – Includes markers such as MSH, VIP, TGF-beta1, C4a, and C3a, which indicate immune dysfunction
ERMI or HERTSMI-2 Testing – Environmental tests to detect mold toxins in homes or workplaces

How is CIRS Treated?

CIRS treatment follows a structured protocol, often based on the Shoemaker Protocol. Steps include:

Removing the Source – Identifying and eliminating exposure to biotoxins (e.g., mold remediation, avoiding contaminated environments)
Binding and Eliminating Toxins – Using binders such as cholestyramine or Welchol to help the body excrete toxins
Correcting Immune Dysfunction – Balancing hormone and inflammatory markers through targeted therapies
Repairing Neurological and Systemic Damage – Supporting recovery with nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes

Can CIRS Be Cured?

While CIRS is a chronic condition, many individuals experience significant improvement or full recovery with proper treatment. The key is early detection, targeted interventions, and ongoing monitoring to prevent relapse.

Who Treats CIRS?

Since CIRS is not widely recognized by mainstream medicine, it is often treated by functional medicine doctors, integrative health practitioners, and Shoemaker-certified physicians. Finding a knowledgeable provider is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Final Thoughts

If you suspect you have CIRS, it’s important to seek specialized testing and work with a healthcare provider who understands the condition. With the right approach, recovery is possible, and you can regain your health and quality of life.