Definition

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a complex, multi-symptom illness linked to immune dysfunction triggered by biotoxins, harmful substances produced by living organisms. Although sometimes confused with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), CIRS is triggered by biotoxin exposure and characterized by systemic inflammation whereas MCAS involves the abnormal activation of mast cells which in turn leads to a range of allergic and inflammatory symptoms.

CIRS manifests when individuals with certain genetic predispositions (about 24% of the population) are exposed to significant levels of biotoxins from sources like mold, Lyme disease, or other pathogens. These individuals cannot effectively clear these toxins, leading to a range of symptoms commonly misdiagnosed as other conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Chronic Lyme Disease. Symptoms arise from immune dysfunction that includes autoimmune reactions, food and environmental allergies, excessive cytokine production causing fatigue and sleep disturbances, and immune suppression that may lead to persistent or recurrent infections.

Causes / Risk Factors

• Exposure to toxic mold accounts for roughly 80% of CIRS cases
• Lyme disease, Ciguatera, Pfiesteria, and Cyanobacteria account for the other 20% of cases

Signs and Symptoms

• Severe fatigue, cognitive impairment, intense anxiety, depression
• Buzzing or tremor sensations in the body
• Aches, muscle cramps and joint pain 
• Unusual numbness or tingling
• Morning stiffness
• Tics and spasms (dyskinesias)
• Seizure like events
• Disequilibrium and dizziness that can’t be diagnosed neurologically
• Fibromyalgia
• Light sensitivity
• Red eyes, blurred vision and tearing
• Sinus problems
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Memory issues
• Difficulty with focus/concentration
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Skin sensitivity
• Mood swings
• Sweats (especially night sweats)
• Temperature regulation or dysregulation problems
• Excessive thirst despite frequent water intake
• Static shocks
• Vertigo/dizziness
• Metallic taste
• Abdominal pain or unusual body pain
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Migraine/facial pain
• Appetite swings
• Increased urination

Diet and Lifestyle considerations for CIRS

• Elimination of further biotoxin exposure
• Resetting the nervous system
• Addressing existing infections
• Taking measures to reduce inflammation in the body

Integrative Treatments Overview

The Integrative healthcare approach for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) focuses on practical steps to help manage the condition. It starts with making smart diet and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and avoid more biotoxin exposure. Resetting the nervous system is key, along with tackling any infections that might be making things worse. The goal is to lower inflammation throughout the body. It’s best to work with a certified practitioner to get a personalized plan that fits your unique needs.

Nutritional & Environmental Medicine Overview

It is recommended that a patient consult a certified practitioner to assess their symptoms and case history and explore their individual needs.

Diagnosis

There is no one diagnostic test for CIRS, so diagnosing the condition involves evaluating a combination of factors including:

• Exposure to biotoxins or testing to confirm mycotoxins in urine, lyme disease, etc.
• Presents with a certain number of the following symptoms (8+ if an adult, 6+ if a child): fatigue; weakness; memory impairment; concentration difficulty; joint pain; unusual skin sensitivity; shortness of breath or sinus congestion; cough, excessive thirst, confusion; appetite swings, difficulty regulating body temperature, increased urinary frequency; red eyes, blurry vision, night sweats, mood swings, unusual pain/ice-pick pains; abdominal pain, diarrhea, numbness; static shocks, vertigo; tearing, disorientation, metallic taste (check notes bottom of doc to flesh out first-half)
• Abnormal lab testing (e.g. VCS test, presence of HLA-DR, elevated MMP-9, ACTH/Cortisol imbalance, ADH/Osmolarity imbalance, low MSH, elevated C4a)
• Ruling out other potential causes

Treatments

• Eliminate further biotoxin exposure
• Work with the right binding agents/binders
• Open detox and lymphatic pathways
• Reset the nervous system
• Heal the gut through diet 
• Restore sinus health and address MARCONs (if needed)
• Treat MCAS (if needed)
• Work with antifungals and herbs
• Correct abnormal labs (hormones, ADH/osmolarity, C3a, etc.)
• Address tick-borne infections

One specific program often recommended by integrative practitioners is the Low Mold Diet. The Low Mold Diet, as the name suggests, involves limiting your exposure to mold through diet and assisting your body in the process of mold detoxification by avoiding starchy and sugary foods which mold spores can use to proliferate, causing further damage. Other protocols worth considering include those that can help you to reset your nervous system, namely those that involve certain acupuncture treatments, breathing techniques, somatic stretching, a focus on restful sleep, movement/exercise, etc.