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Plato

"The beginning is the most important part of the work"

What is 'CIRS'?

Defining the Problem

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

This term was coined by Dr. Richie Shoemaker, because the disease mimicked sepsis. CIRS is a multisystem, multi-symptom illness that is diagnosed based on a variety of labs, genetic testing, and various symptom clusters. It is caused by exposure to biotoxins, most commonly those found in Water Damaged Buildings (WDB).

Biotoxin Illness

Biotoxins are toxins produced by any living organism. The toxins most commonly associated with triggering CIRS in the genetically susceptible individual are:

  • Inhalation in WDB (Fungi, Bacteria, VOCs, Actenomycetes, Endotoxins)

  • Tick bite (carrying Lyme or Babesiosis) or recluse spider bite

  • Ingestion of Ciguatera via reef fish

  • Direct contact with infected water (Pfiesteria dinoflagellates or Cyanobacteria algae blooms)

AKA

Often also referred to as: 

  • "Mold illness"

  • "Sick Building Syndrome"

  • "Toxic mold"

Unfortunately, these terms are misnomers that do not clarify the depth of the problem! Important to recognize that if these terms are mentioned, CIRS/Biotoxin Illness is what is really being discussed.

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