Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a multi-system, multi-symptom illness due to exposure to biotoxins. It has also been called Mold Illness, Mold Toxicity, Biotoxin Illness and Sick Building Syndrome. These biotoxin exposures are often the result of water-damaged buildings (WDB). WDB exposure may also include exposure to bacteria, and endotoxins.
WDB exposure can occur in any location (homes, work, school, church, etc).
Additional biotoxins that may trigger CIRS symptoms include certain algae, spider and snake bites, tick borne illnesses, and dinoflagellates.
While anyone can experience symptoms related to Water-Damaged Building exposure, current research suggests that there is a genetic susceptibility for those experiencing CIRS symptoms.
This susceptibility influences the immune system’s function and its ability to recognize and respond to certain biotoxins. It is estimated that approximately 25% of the population carries this gene variation (HLA-DR). Those with certain haplotypes of the HLA-DR gene may have difficulty recovering from biotoxin exposures even after remediation efforts.
The following information is based on the research of Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker.
The CIRS Screening Steps include:
- Symptoms Screening
- Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test (VCS)
- Genetic Testing
Symptoms Screening:
“Dr. Shoemaker has specific case criteria for CIRS diagnosis and these include:
- Exposure history that includes one of the following: living or working in a WDB, history of a tick bite, onset of symptoms after becoming ill from eating reef fish or exposure to blue algae or dinoflagellates. Exposure to WDB can be verified by presence of visible mold growth, musty smells or a positive ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index). ERMI is a test done on the building in question by obtaining dust samples that are then evaluated for the presence of mold fragments or spores that were in the air and settled in the dust.
- Your symptoms cannot be explained as the result of any other illness. This includes taking a complete health history and doing a thorough physical exam.
- You need to have multiple symptoms in multiple systems of your body to be diagnosed with CIRS. Dr. Shoemaker has developed a symptom chart to evaluate patients for multisystem, multi-symptom illness.
You need at least 1 symptom in at least 6 of the 13 symptom clusters to be considered for CIRS. 8 of 13 symptom clusters indicates a high probability of CIRS.”
Source: https://www.survivingmold.com/docs/KJohnson_CIRS_ESSAY.PDF
INSTRUCTIONS:
Circle each of the symptoms that you experience in the image (above). Cluster symptoms are grouped in 13 different boxes. If you have a circled symptom in at least 6 boxes, you are considered for CIRS. 8 or more boxes indicated high probability.
Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test (VCS)
This visual test calculates the likelihood that you are experiencing CIRS. It is completed online and provides your results immediately upon completion. It has a 92% accuracy rate. Please note: some people are able to pass this test even while experiencing CIRS. It is a screening tool. It is not a diagnosis.
The test currently costs $15 and may be accessed here:
https://www.survivingmold.com/store/online-vcs-screening
Genetic Testing:
The HLA-DR gene (human leukocyte antigen) testing confirms genetic susceptibility to specific biotoxins.
CIRS is often an accumulation of exposures to mold and other biotoxins during a person’s lifetime. Knowing your genetic susceptibility can aid you in making more informed decisions regarding your health, doctors that may treat you, and navigating issues in your home.
You can access the HLA-DR Genetic Test here:
HLA-DR testing
Additional CIRS Resources:
https://www.survivingmold.com/
https://www.cirsx.com/
If you have questions regarding the screening process, your HLA-DR results, CIRS treatment or locating a CIRS Practitioner, contact Janet Blade at 501-222-1222.