Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) Is a condition which involves multiple (or all) body systems, presents with multiple symptoms (usually referred to as symptoms clusters) and is caused by exposure to biologically produced biotoxins or neurotoxins (typically cell wall fragments and toxic metabolic products). 

These biotoxins and neurotoxins are present in water damaged buildings due to mould proliferation, tick-borne illnesses (such as Lyme disease/Borrelia and cyanobacteria) and other insect-borne illnesses.

The adverse health effects can be acute in individuals who can clear the biotoxins, or chronic in individuals who have a genetic predisposition.

 

The signs and symptoms associated with CIRS are:

 

• Difficulty regulating body temperature

• Difficulty comprehending new knowledge

• Difficulty concentrating

• Light sensitivity

• memory issues

• Word searching

• Unusual skin sensations

• numbness/tingling

• Confusion

• Red eyes

• Blurred vision

• Mood disturbances

• Ice-pick pains

• Vertigo

• Disorientation

• Metallic taste

• Tearing of the eyes

• Night sweats

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Naturopathic considerations and investigations

CIRS is complex, and not well understood or recognized in Australia. It is common for basic pathology reports to come back as ‘normal’ (specifically C-reactive protein (CRP), eosinophil sediment rate ESR), immune markers and nutrient status)). Further investigations are always warranted in these situations, these may include:

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• Comprehensive case taking 

• Completing an online visual contrast sensitivity test

• Investigating your home, workplace and possibly means of travel to assess for possible mould exposure,indoor air quality/pollutants, electromagnetic fields and radiation and other toxicants

• Investigating genetic halotype (HLA DR/DQ)

• Investigating insect-borne illnesses, stealth pathogens and infections such as epstein-barr virus, Bourellia, Bartonella, Babesiosis (Piroplasmosis), Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Mycoplasma 

• Investigating markers associated with CIRS (C3a, C4a, Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), Alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ-1), Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP))

• Assessing and correcting nutritional deficiencies such as zinc, quercetin, B12, Vitamin C etc

• Assessing (and supporting) liver function and detoxification pathways 

• Assess stressors such as exercise, inflammatory diets and work/life balance

• Assess hormonal imbalances such as cortisol, thyroid and oestrogen

• Assess digestive health, leaky gut and gut microbiome (which all play a vital role with metabolising histamine and toxins, preventing infection/inflammation, immune regulation and the absorption and assimilation of nutrients)

• Support energy production, detoxification pathway, mood and the nervous system through careful prescription of nourishing herbs and an anti-inflammatory, low histamine or low FODMAP diet

 

CIRS sufferers commonly experience unexplained chronic fatigue syndrome, previously diagnosed conditions such as fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities to environmental chemicals as well as foods.