Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) is an inflammatory immune dysfunction condition associated with biotoxin exposure. CIRS is not resolved during the body’s natural detoxification process; its main characterization is chronic inflammation associated with a large catalogue of potential symptoms, making CIRS difficult to diagnose.
Is CIRS Real?
CIRS is a real condition characterized by numerous components of the immune response acting at the same time. This includes the complement system, platelets, and a handful of helper T cells – which are conventionally involved with activating B cells to create antibodies and cytotoxic T cells to target pathogens. Immune activity in the context of CIRS lacks adequate antigen presentation, an important process of innate immunity where white blood cells tag pathogens for elimination in the adaptive immune response.
Ultimately, individuals with CIRS are trapped in a perpetually inflamed state; “chronic” is the key word, indicating inflammation that endures for at least six months. CIRS is complex, affecting multiple body systems and triggering multiple symptoms.
What Causes CIRS?
CIRS is triggered by regular exposure to biotoxins, whether internal or external. A biotoxin is produced by a living organism and cannot be eliminated through the body’s natural detoxification process. Known causes of CIRS include environmental mold, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne diseases like Babesia and Candida. Additionally, some CIRS experts say that around 24 percent of the population possesses a genetic determinant – a susceptible HLA type – that renders them uniquely vulnerable to CIRS. CIRS is often misdiagnosed as:
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
- Chronic Lyme disease
What Are the Symptoms of CIRS?
Individuals with CIRS present with a diverse array of symptoms, making the condition difficult to diagnose, often requiring a process of elimination. Symptoms may include increased autoimmune activity, potentially in relation to Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or interstitial cystitis. Allergies to foods and environmental triggers may also be involved, as well as excessive cytokine production, potentially in relation to loss of appetite and fatigue, sleep disturbance, and hormone receptor assistance. Immune suppression may also be related, particularly regarding persistent infections and frequent, acute infections.
Can CIRS Be Cured?
CIRS may be diagnosed first through the confirmation of regular biotoxin exposure (as opposed to chemical toxin or heavy metal exposure) along with further process of elimination and a screening for characteristic symptoms.
Treatment for CIRS may initially include an environmental assessment, with the first priority being to remove biotoxins from the immediate environment, at least during the initial healing process. Longer-term goals for addressing CIRS involves resolving inflammation, followed by a subsequent reduction of symptoms and further addressing existing immune dysfunction. Depending on the specific cause or trigger of CIRS, it may be necessary to address toxin-producing infections, such as Lyme, Babesia, or Candida, and to target associated immune dysfunction.
