CIRS Australia

CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), which is often called CIRS disease, is a progressive illness that can affect several systems of the body and present with many symptoms. This illness results from a person's immune system reacting abnormally to biotoxins.

Our immune system is designed to recognise and get rid of foreign biotoxins. But around 24% of people have special genes (HLA-DR genes) making their immune system unable to recognise these toxins. Instead of the biotoxins being removed, they keep circulating in the body and cause ongoing inflammation mostly.

The Relationship Between CIRS, Mold and Biotoxins

CIRS can be triggered by different types of exposure; Though, the main one in Australia is being in water-damaged buildings (WDB). When a building becomes damp or is not ventilated properly, it is an ideal place for a mixture of harmful agents to multiply including:

• Mycotoxins: Poisonous substances which certain moulds produce naturally.

• Endotoxins & Inflammagens: Elements of bacterial cell wall found in damp areas.

• Actinomycetes: Gram-positive bacteria that are usually found in building materials damaged by water.

Common Symptoms of CIRS

CIRS causes different body systems to be affected simultaneously; symptoms can be so many and so putting together that people with CIRS are sometimes misdiagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Fibromyalgia. Common signs include:

• Neurological & Cognitive: Severe brain fog, memory problems, difficulties in concentration, headaches, and light sensitivity.

• Physical & Systemic: Constant fatigue without any logical reason weakness muscle pain, static electricity, and continuous joint pain.

• Respiratory & Sinus: Persistent sinus congestion, shortness of breath, cough that lasts for a long time, and symptoms of asthma.

• Digestive & Urinary: Stomach pain diarrhoea intolerance to some foods, frequent urination, and thirst that is hard to quench.

How is CIRS Diagnosed?

Diagnosing CIRS is a more involved process requiring a structured protocol instead of just a single standard blood test. If you are thinking that you may be having symptoms of CIRS, below are the usual three main steps that comprise the diagnostic procedure in Australia:

1. Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) Test

The VCS test is a tool for neurological screening where the patient is tested for the ability to recognize details in patterns consisting of stripes of different shades of grey on a grey background. Since biotoxins cause damage to the optic nerve, a poor result in the VCS test is an early and strong suggestion of CIRS.

2. Comprehensive Biomarker Blood Panels

Usually, a knowledgeable GP or a practitioner in environmental medicine is the one carrying out the test for those inflammatory markers and hormone imbalances that are the main features of CIRS. These include:

• C4a & TGF-Beta 1: Main markers of the activation of the innate immune system.

• MSH (Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone): In CIRS patients, it is common to see a significant reduction of this hormone.

• VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide): Plays a role in inflammation and pulmonary pressure.

• HLA-DR Genetic Testing: To find out if you carry the gene that predisposes you to illness by biotoxins.

3. Building Diagnostics (ERMI Testing)

Without a doubt, assessing the environment in which you live is as important as evaluating your body's health. The ERMI (Environmental Relative Mouldiness Index) dust test uses MSQPCR technology to check the specific level of mould contamination in your home.

The Standard CIRS Treatment and Recovery Protocol

Recovering from CIRS is quite orderly and is usually done by following the strict Shoemaker Protocol. Treatment of the body without changing the harmful environment is hardly ever the case of success.

"The unwritten rule of CIRS recovery: You can't get better from a water-damaged building while you are still living or working in it."

• Step 1: Exposure Removal & Building Remediation The patient should be relocated to a healthier environment, or the current house is to be professionally mould-remediated by an indoor environmental professional (IEP) thoroughly to the point that the source of biotoxins is removed.

• Step 2: Toxin Elimination (Binders) After securing the environment, the doctor will prescribe a specific prescription binder (for example, Cholestyramine or welchol) to physically bind the recirculating biotoxins in the bile and carry them out of the body safely.

• Step 3: Focusing on Inflammation & Hormones The next steps are gradually implementing changes to the blood biomarkers (like MARCoNS eradication, raising MSH, and adjusting VIP levels) under the supervision of a medical professional.

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