Mold Again: Understanding Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)

By SWA

Jordan Peterson has been diagnosed with a chronic immune system dysfunction condition after being "exposed to a particularly moldy environment," his daughter has said.

"To be crystal clear—this isn't about akathisia or medication," she said. "He's not on any medication. It's an immune system dysfunction."
https://www.newsweek.com/jordan-peterson-chronic-condition-mikhaila-peterson-2113371

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a complex and often misunderstood condition that arises when the body fails to effectively remove biotoxins—most commonly from mold exposure in water-damaged buildings. These biotoxins can trigger a persistent immune system reaction, leading to widespread inflammation and symptoms that affect nearly every system in the body. Individuals with CIRS often suffer from fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and digestive issues, among many other symptoms. The syndrome shares overlapping features with other chronic conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and even Alzheimer's disease, which can make diagnosis and treatment challenging.

Causes of CIRS

The development of CIRS is typically linked to the following:

Biotoxin Exposure:
The most common cause is prolonged exposure to indoor mold and other microbial growth found in buildings with water damage. Biotoxins can also come from sources like Lyme disease, cyanobacteria, and certain types of dinoflagellates in contaminated water or food.

Genetic Susceptibility:
Not everyone exposed to mold or biotoxins will develop CIRS. It is believed that roughly 25% of the population carries specific HLA-DR genetic markers that make them more susceptible to the syndrome. These individuals have difficulty recognizing and eliminating biotoxins, allowing them to accumulate and trigger chronic immune activation.

Other Triggers:
Infections, concussions, or other physical stressors may act as secondary triggers, further impairing the body's ability to manage inflammation and recover from biotoxin exposure.

Symptoms of CIRS

One of the hallmark features of CIRS is its impact on multiple systems in the body, resulting in a wide array of symptoms that can seem unrelated at first glance. Common manifestations include:

  • Neurological Symptoms:
    These may include memory loss, poor concentration, brain fog, headaches, anxiety, and depression.

  • Musculoskeletal Complaints:
    Many patients report debilitating fatigue, muscle pain or cramps, joint pain, and morning stiffness.

  • Respiratory Problems:
    Chronic sinus congestion, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough are frequent symptoms in those exposed to mold spores.

  • Gastrointestinal Issues:
    Bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea are often present and may be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome or other GI disorders.

  • Other Symptoms:
    These can include sensitivity to light, increased thirst, difficulty regulating body temperature, night sweats, and skin rashes.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis:
CIRS remains a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other diseases and conditions must be ruled out before it is considered. Diagnosis is complicated by the wide variety of symptoms and lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria. Some clinicians use lab markers such as MSH, C4a, and HLA-DR genotyping as part of their evaluation, but these tests are not universally available or recognized.

Treatment:
The most established treatment framework is the Shoemaker Protocol, developed by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker. This protocol is a structured, multi-phase approach aimed at eliminating biotoxin exposure and repairing the immune system’s response.

  • Step 1: Remove Exposure
    This involves physically removing oneself from a mold-contaminated environment or addressing ongoing infections such as Lyme disease. Until exposure is stopped, recovery is unlikely.

  • Subsequent Steps:
    The protocol includes the use of bile acid binders to remove circulating toxins, treatments to correct hormone imbalances, and strategies to calm immune system overactivity. Supportive therapies like dietary changes, anti-inflammatory treatments, and lifestyle adjustments are often incorporated.

Controversy and Recognition

Despite growing awareness, CIRS remains a controversial diagnosis within the medical community. Critics argue that its symptoms are too vague and overlap significantly with other well-established conditions. The lack of a standardized diagnostic test further complicates acceptance. However, clinical case reports and research continue to build a case for the biological basis of the illness.

Some physicians and researchers advocate for broader recognition of CIRS, emphasizing the need for increased education, better diagnostic tools, and more research into its mechanisms and treatments. For patients, acknowledgment and proper treatment can be life-changing, offering a path out of years of unexplained symptoms and ineffective therapies.

Final Thoughts

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, particularly when caused by mold exposure, remains one of the more elusive and debated chronic illnesses. For those suffering from it, however, the experience is all too real. As research progresses and awareness grows, more patients and providers are beginning to understand the importance of recognizing environmental triggers as key contributors to chronic illness. Addressing the root cause—whether it’s mold or another biotoxin—may be the first step in reclaiming health.

References:

What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome?
https://www.aspenmedcenter.com/what-is-chronic-inflammatory-response-syndrome/

What Is CIRS Disease? Understanding This Complex Condition
https://familycaremurphy.com/what-is-cirs-disease/

 

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742

 

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