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Mold/Lyme/Biotoxin Illness (CIRS)
CIRS – Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Per Dr. Richie Shoemaker:
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a condition discovered and researched by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker. The proper definition of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is “An acute and chronic, systemic inflammatory response syndrome acquired following exposure to the interior environment of a water-damaged building (WDB) with resident toxigenic organisms, including, but not limited to fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes and mycobacteria as well as inflammagens such as endotoxins, beta glucans, hemolysins, proteinases, mannans and possibly spirocyclic drimanes; as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).”
CIRS involves a systemic inflammatory response that results when an individual does not have the immune response genes to eliminate neurotoxins produced by their exposure to a WDB. So their innate immune system fails to regulate inflammation.
Biotoxins directly affect nerve cell function (http://www.survivingmold.com/diagnosis/the-biotoxin-pathway). CIRS affects multiple systems in the body, causing patients to exhibit multiple symptoms. A patient who presents with several of these, after exposure to a WDB, could be suffering from CIRS.
SYMPTOMS OF CIRS – Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, aches, muscle cramps, unusual pain, ice pick pain, headache, light sensitivity, red eyes, blurred vision, tearing, sinus problems, cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, diarrhea, joint pain, morning stiffness, memory issues, focus/concentration issues, word recollection issues, decreased learning of new knowledge, confusion, disorientation, skin sensitivity, mood swings, appetite swings, sweats (especially night sweats), temperature regulation or dysregulation problems, excessive thirst, increased urination, static shocks, numbness, tingling, vertigo, metallic taste, tremors, multiple chemical sensitivities.
Depending upon their symptoms, patients may be diagnosed with other illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and depression; however, there are tests that can be used to establish if CIRS is the underlying cause of their symptoms.
