Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a progressive, multi-symptom, multi-system illness characterized by exposure to biotoxins. 

The symptoms of CIRS, sometimes called Biotoxin Illness, may appear similar to other common conditions, including Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, Autoimmune disorders, Post Covid Syndrome, Neuropsychological disorders, and Leaky Gut Syndrome. 

Chronic pain is a common complaint among patients, which can be diffuse, such as in Fibromyalgia, or localized, such as in Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Leaky Gut Syndrome. 

The most common cause of CIRS is exposure to indoor toxic bacteria, molds, and 30 different toxins and inflammagens in water-damaged buildings (WDBs).

Explanation for Healthcare Professionals

According to the Center of Research on Biotoxin Associated Illness, “Evidence supports a cause-effect relationship between exposure to the air and dust in WDBs and CIRS that is linked to certain HLA haplotypes. CIRS-WDB is mediated by an overactive innate immune response to the toxins, antigens, and inflammagens found in the interior environment of WDBs.”

A visual screening test for CIRS exists–called Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS). The test is based on the fact that biotoxins, such as toxic mold, secrete a neurotoxin that affects the brain and retinal artery blood flow, interfering with the ability to discriminate between white and gray (contrast). 

While the VCS test was developed by the US military for jet pilots, it has been found to be useful in identifying CIRS patients. If the symptoms are present (multiple organ systems and multiple symptoms) and the VCS test is positive, even in one eye, there is a 98.5% chance of having CIRS. This makes it one of the most accurate screening tests in medicine.

The Brain and Biotoxin Illness

There is a significant relationship between CIRS and multiple brain disorders. The neurocognitive symptoms of CIRS make up about 35% of the total symptoms seen in patients. 

These symptoms include cognitive decline or brain fog, mood disorders, headaches, and sleep disturbances. 

Ultimately, the end result of years of CIRS, exposure to water-damaged buildings, and the toxins found inside are brain damage and dementia.

Because of the chronically elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines due to CIRS, the body suffers chronic inflammation throughout. 

The brain is the most sensitive to these toxins and the cytokines involved with CIRS. Treating the underlying cause is essential to stop the damage and reverse the changes before dementia results.

Signs of a Biotoxin Illness

The signs and symptoms of a biotoxin illness like CIRS affect many body systems simultaneously. Some symptoms include:

• Fatigue or poor energy level
• Unexplained muscle pain
• Brain fog or difficulty thinking
• Gut problems like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or pain
• Headaches or strange neurological problems
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Sleep problems
• Mood disorders like anxiety, depression, lack of focus

Catalysts for Exposure

Heavy rain, up to and including hurricanes, can lead to water-damaged buildings and related increased exposure to biotoxins.

Hurricane Ian in 2022 swept through Florida and caused the most damage in the state’s history. In addition to structures and visible issues, mold grew in record amounts.

If you live in Hurricane Ian’s damaged zones or any of this season’s hurricane paths, be prepared to fight mold in your home and watch for new symptoms.

Critical Steps to Healing From CIRS

Nothing will reverse brain atrophy and damage from CIRS until you are out of exposure.

After 17 years and treating several thousand CIRS patients, I can tell you with certainty that the biggest obstacle to getting patients well is neglecting to take the first step–removing yourself from exposure. 

The issue with water-damaged buildings (WDBs) is more complex than we originally thought. 

CIRS is not a “mold illness.” It is a biotoxin illness caused by 30 different organisms, toxins, and inflammagens found in WDBs. 

In order to correctly diagnose and treat my patients, I have to assess not only their symptoms but also their home and work environments; otherwise, they will not make significant and permanent progress with CIRS healing.  

To do this, I rely on environmental professionals to assist in their care. 

It takes a team to defeat this illness. 

One partner I’ve found in the fight is the leadership team at Air Oasis. As a medical professional, I’m well aware that environmental professionals recommend air purification systems that remove the biotoxins from the air of patients’ homes and offices. 

Air filters can be incredibly useful in decreasing your symptoms and immune dysfunction.

I recommend the iAdaptAirⓇ from Air Oasis. 

The air purifier utilizes multistage filtration plus purification technologies, with ample scientific evidence of its tested efficacy in trapping unwanted contaminants.

The unit generates ions that neutralize unwanted organisms in the air and on surfaces, such as actinobacteria. The iAdaptAir purifier also uses HEPA filtration to remove airborne mold spores and beta-glucans, and its activated charcoal filter to remove VOCs like mycotoxins. 

The iAdaptAir has been used by CIRS patients to reduce the symptoms and improve the physiological changes that occur in biotoxin illness, even improving the VCS test results within a few hours. 

I recommend quality multi-stage air purifiers in every room where you spend considerable amounts of time including bedrooms and living rooms.

This, among many other steps, can be key to helping CIRS patients find the road to long-term wellness.

Together, we are committed to spreading the word about CIRS and providing solutions for healthier environments at home, work, and beyond. Air Oasis partners with Dr. Gruning to help the underserved by donating air filtration devices to vulnerable patients.

Make your home or office environment healthier for everyone with a doctor-recommended Air Oasis air purifier.

Find Dr. Gruning at the International Center for Health and Wellness to learn more about CIRS and its connection to biotoxins and water damaged buildings.