Mold & Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a term coined by mold expert Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker. Dr. Shoemaker defines as “An acute and chronic, systemic inflammatory response syndrome acquired following exposure to the interior environment of a water-damaged building with resident toxigenic organisms, including, but not limited to fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes and mycobacteria as well as inflammagens such as endotoxins, beta glucans, hemolysins, proteinases, mannans and possibly spirocyclic drimanes; as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).” We certainly need to consider any possible components of influence from a water damage building. Mold is a big one!

What does mold do to the human body? What symptoms does it cause?

Approximately 24% of people have a genetic polymorphism (abnormality in a gene), which prevents them from properly breaking down the toxins that mold create. Different types of molds will produce different toxins. Different toxins will cause unique changes in our body and therefore, unique symptoms. As we live in moldy environments, genetically susceptible individuals do not have the opportunity to break down the toxins.

Mold can cause a variety of symptoms including, but not limited to:

• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches/Migraines
• Joint Pain (any joint, but especially smaller joints such as finger, wrists and ankles)
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Hallucinations
• Irritability/Anxiety/Depression
• Brain Fog/Memory Changes/Cognitive Dysfunction
• Post Nasal Drip and Sore Throat
• Peripheral Neuropathy (numbness/tingling)
• Nausea and digestive disturbances
• Neck pain
• Tinnitus
• Vision Changes especially at night
• Chronic Infections
• Neurological dysfunction
• Hormonal Alterations

Mold toxins will effect the ability of the white blood cells to function properly. Therefore, it is easier to begin to pick up other infections when one has mold illness. It is not uncommon to see mold illness occur with Lyme Disease, Chronic Viral Infections and gastrointestinal infections.

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