Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) is a chronic condition of inflammation related to an immune system response to a biological toxin. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, cognitive problems (brain fog), gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, irritable bowel), unstable body temperature, unexplained rashes, dizziness and vertigo, headaches, red and burning eyes, hormonal problems, sleep issues, unexplained weight gain and many more. Many people suffering from CIRS will eventually experience secondary symptoms related to immune dysfunction, hormonal imbalances and autonomic nervous system failure.
Common biological toxins causing/contributing to CIRS include exposure to the contents of a water damaged building (WDB) like mold, fungus, bacteria and other organisms as well as metabolic byproducts of the metabolism of these organisms (proteinases, hemolysins, volatile organic compounds, endotoxins, beta glucans mannans, spirocyclic drimanes). Other CIRS producing biological toxins include Lyme disease, exposure to toxic blue – green algae, brown recluse spider bites and poisoned fish.
Many people that are suffering from CIRS will be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), leaky gut syndrome, depression, multiple sclerosis, dementia, paroxysmal orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and many other syndromes.
The treatment for CIRS requires an intelligent, systematic approach that includes the following:
- Identify that you have a case of CIRS – through a battery of tests
- Avoid/remove the offending biological toxin from your environment
- Use special products to remove biotoxins from your body
- Take steps to restore control to your immune system, hormone system and nervous system through a metabolically directed functional medicine approach
