CIRS: Can be the hidden illness behind chronic fatigue, brain fog & more

Have you been to doctor after doctor with no clear answers?  Do symptoms like chronic fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, digestive issues, or body aches continue to affect your daily life—even though your lab tests are “normal”?

You’re not alone— some individuals with unresolving symptoms like these may be suffering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).

 

What is CIRS?

CIRS is a multi-system, chronic illness caused by your body’s inability to detoxify certain biotoxins, like mold or bacterial toxins.  It occurs mostly in people who are genetically susceptible—about 1 in 4 people carry gene variants (called HLA-DR) that prevent their immune systems from clearing these toxins properly.

Instead of resolving the exposure, the immune system gets stuck in “ON” mode, leading to ongoing inflammation that can affect the brain, hormones, gut, lungs, and more.

Despite affecting millions, CIRS isn’t widely recognized by conventional medicine and doesn’t yet have a specific  diagnosis code. It's often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or even autoimmune disease.

 

What Causes CIRS?

CIRS starts with exposure to biotoxins—tiny toxins made by:

  • Mold in water-damaged buildings (estimated to exist in ~50% of buildings worldwide!)

  • Lyme disease or co-infections (Borrelia, Babesia, Bartonella)

  • Ciguatera fish poisoning (from reef fish)

  • Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in lakes/rivers

  • Tick or spider bites

In genetically susceptible people, the body fails to produce proper antibodies to neutralize these toxins. The result? The toxins stay in the body and trigger persistent immune system activation.

 

Symptoms of CIRS

CIRS can look different from person to person, but common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest

  • Brain fog, memory loss, difficulty concentrating

  • Mood changes: anxiety, depression, irritability

  • Digestive issues: bloating, IBS, food intolerances

  • Chronic pain in joints and muscles

  • Sensitivity to light, sound, or chemical smells

  • Hormonal imbalances (low libido, irregular cycles, etc.)

In children, symptoms may include learning difficulties, behavioral problems, or growth delays—prevalence may be as high as 7% in kids.

What’s Happening Inside the Body?

Lab tests in CIRS patients often show elevated markers like:

  • C4a – linked to blood vessel damage and inflammation

  • MMP-9 – breaks down the blood-brain barrier, contributing to cognitive and neurological symptoms

  • TGF-β1 – associated with autoimmunity and tissue fibrosis

  • Low MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) – leads to hormonal, sleep, and gut dysfunction

Brain scans may show amygdala swelling and cortical thinning, explaining the anxiety and memory issues.

How is CIRS Diagnosed?

A trained practitioner will use a comprehensive history, symptom questionnaire, lab testing, and tools like the Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) test—a simple eye test that checks for neuroinflammation.  Labs can include: HLA-DR gene typing, C4a, TGF-β1, MMP-9, VEGF, ADH/osmolality ratios, MARCoNS testing (sinus bacteria), VCS screening, ERMI or HERTSMI-2 (DNA-based mold dust tests that help assess the mold burden in a home).

What’s the Treatment for CIRS?

A leading treatment is the Shoemaker Protocol, a medically recognized, 11-step, science-based process to remove toxins, rebalance the immune system, and heal the body.

Key steps include:

  1. Remove exposure

    • Test and remediate water-damaged buildings (ERMI score <2 or HERTSMI-2 <11)

    • Avoid ongoing biotoxin exposures at home, school, or work

  2. Bind toxins

    • Use medications or natural products to remove toxins from the body via the gut

    • Preload with omega-3s to reduce side effects

  3. Eliminate sinus staph (MARCoNS)

    • Nasal sprays with EDTA and xylitol can help clear antibiotic-resistant staph

  4. Support hormones & hydration

    • Addressing low hormones like DHEA or antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels, which affect energy and fluid balance

  5. Calm inflammation

    • Address high MMP-9, C4a, and TGF-β1 with targeted supplements, medications, and dietary changes (low-amylose, gluten-free)

  6. Advanced therapies

    • VIP nasal spray (vasoactive intestinal peptide) can reduce inflammation and restore brain function in qualified patients

Functional and integrative medicine adds supportive tools like:

  • Anti-inflammatory diets

  • Gut healing protocols

  • Mitochondrial support

  • Detox pathways

Many people who stick with treatment report life-changing improvements in energy, mood, mental clarity, and overall function.

Because CIRS is a complex, multi-system illness, it’s crucial to work with a CIRS-certified or functionally trained provider.  Self-treating without the right labs or guidance can worsen symptoms or cause setbacks.  You can learn more at survivingmold.com.

CIRS can feel like a mystery illness—but for many, it’s the long-awaited explanation behind years of unexplained suffering.  It’s treatable, and recovery is possible with the right support and strategy.

If you suspect mold illness or biotoxin exposure help is available and your path to healing starts with understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface.

Want to learn more?
Take CIRS risk quiz: https://www.edenenergetix.com/moldillnessquestionnaire

**Medical Disclaimer** Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog post.

Paul Terrell