Dr. Sam Madeira, NMDWhat is CIRS?
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, also called biotoxin illness, describes a chronic, body-wide inflammatory response reported in some people after exposure to biotoxins. The most common source is the mix of mold, bacteria and inflammatory compounds found in water-damaged buildings.
Researchers believe some people are more susceptible because their immune systems don’t clear these compounds efficiently, so inflammation continues long after the exposure began. That helps explain why one family member may become very ill while others feel fine.
Why CIRS is often missed
CIRS symptoms are broad and fluctuate, and they often overlap with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, anxiety or long COVID. Standard labs are frequently normal. Without asking about water damage and testing more specifically, it’s easy to overlook.
How Dr. Madeira evaluates CIRS
- A detailed exposure history covering homes, workplaces, schools and vehicles
- A thorough symptom review across body systems
- Testing that clinicians who treat CIRS commonly use, such as visual contrast sensitivity and inflammatory and hormone markers, interpreted together
- Screening for related issues such as mast cell activation
A step-by-step treatment approach
- Get out of exposure. Identify and address water damage with qualified professionals. This is the foundation of recovery.
- Lower the biotoxin burden. Detoxification therapies, which may include binders, introduced at a pace you tolerate.
- Address what CIRS disrupted. Inflammation, gut health, hormones, sleep and the nervous system, with personalized nutritional and botanical medicine.
- Rebuild resilience. Mindfulness practices and lifestyle foundations to support lasting recovery.
Dr. Madeira coordinates with your other doctors and with indoor environmental professionals when your situation calls for it.