Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a notoriously overlooked condition caused by exposure to biotoxins—harmful substances that trigger a persistent immune system reaction.
Unlike a typical immune response that resolves once a threat is removed, CIRS occurs when the body is unable to properly recognize and clear these toxins, resulting in widespread inflammation that affects multiple systems in the body.
At Hope for Healing, our team has developed a comprehensive roadmap that helps us test for and treat CIRS. This page provides a deep dive into how we get to the root.
CIRS is most commonly triggered by exposure to water-damaged buildings that harbor mold and other microbial toxins. However, it can also be caused by biotoxins from sources such as Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), dinoflagellates (from fish or shellfish), cyanobacteria (found in contaminated freshwater), or other bacterial and fungal infections. We’ve seen that roughly 25% of the population is susceptible to CIRS because toxins aren’t properly identified and removed. Unaddressed toxins can result in immune dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, neurological symptoms, and chronic fatigue.
As a syndrome, CIRS can manifest in many ways. Some people will have symptoms that don’t look like the traditional CIRS presentation. However, a majority of people will identify with this list of 37 common symptoms. We’ve seen that each symptom is typically seen in more than 30% of patients with CIRS of any kind in adults.
The total score is important to note, but remember that each alternating color of the chart indicates a symptom cluster. A cluster score of more than 8/13 can mean that further testing should be considered. Once you have your score, reach out to Hope for Healing to discuss further.
Total:
It’s also important to recognize that while exposure to a water-damaged building—or any other source of biotoxins—can significantly impact your health, it may not be the only factor at play. To truly understand what’s affecting your well-being, it’s essential to take a comprehensive look at all aspects of your health.
At Hope for Healing, we recognize that there isn’t always one root cause to your symptoms. Sometimes we need a highly-personalized, targeted approach.
This is an online screening test that can be undertaken from the comfort of your own home. Online screening is a measure of one of the neurological functions of vision called contrast. We recommend the VCS test available via www.survivingmold.com
TGF Beta-1, MMP-9, Melanocyte Stimulation Hormone, VIP, VEGF, C4a, Leptin, Anti-gliadin antibodies, ADH/ Osmolality, ACTH/Cortisol, Leptin, C3a
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Test (blood test). HLA testing of DRB1,3,4,5 & DQB1 is then referenced against Dr. Shoemaker’s Rosetta Stone of HLA profiles that associate with increased risk of CIRS.
Swab includes testing for MARCoNS/bacteria and MARCoNS biofilm.
The GENIE test is a gene transcriptomics test that may identify whether the recognized pattern of CIRS is present, and at what Stage (of IV) the patient is currently at. This test is also useful for understanding more about potential risk of cognitive changes as a result of environmental exposures. Watch Video
NeuroQuant is the preferred volumetric reporting software for CIRS. Again, using Dr. Shoemaker’s algorithm, it is possible to establish whether changes in key brain areas fit the criteria for CIRS-related processes
Dust swiffer-cloth testing can be utilized to measure components of dust that can correlate with health changes seen via testing listed above
Hope for Healing’s CIRS Roadmap is based on the work of Dr. Shoemaker related to mold, biotoxins, and CIRS. As a result of his research, he recommends 12 steps to help people reduce their inflammation and recover quality of life.
You might not understand every single one of these steps. That’s OK! Our team is here to educate you every step of the way. When you partner with Hope for Healing, we will explain how each of these elements is key to giving you back the life you want.
Download a copy of Dr. Shoemaker’s Pyramid of Correction
Each CIRS protocol will vary by patient. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach! However, we often recommend the following care plan features.
At Hope for Healing, located in Houston and The Woodlands, we specialize in getting to the root cause of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Our team understands that CIRS is more than just a reaction to mold or toxins—it’s a complex, multi-system illness that requires a thorough and personalized approach. Through advanced diagnostic testing, in-depth health history reviews, and a functional medicine lens, we identify not only the biotoxin exposure but also the underlying genetic, immune, and environmental factors that contribute to ongoing symptoms.
Our goal is to guide you through a targeted, step-by-step treatment plan that supports detoxification, reduces inflammation, and restores balance—helping you reclaim your health and quality of life
